Last but not least, here is the final part of my power networking strategies series. Here are some tips for staying in touch and getting the most out of the new contacts you make at networking events.
1. Make notes about who you met and what they told you about themselves and their businesses. Add this information to your contact management system.
2. Give more than you take. Look for ways to send business to colleagues. See how you can help the person you just met, instead of expecting help to come your way.
3. Follow through. There's no point in making a connection, then dropping it; you appear unreliable and shallow. Send a "nice to meet you" e-mail, connect on LinkedIn, follow them on Twitter, and fulfill any other next-step promise you made, such as an offer to introduce your new contact to someone else or send information.
4. Be professional. Don't make typos in follow-up e-mails. Look like a professional in all your future interactions, especially written communication.