Globalia’s 5th Annual Meeting which saw the union of freight forwarders around the world at Bali, has concluded successfully. Now that the freight forwarders conference is behind us, it’s time to strategize an effective follow-up plan to kickstart work on upcoming projects. Engaging in one-on-one discussions with your business partners is paramount for expanding operations. However, to truly leverage the impact of our Annual Meeting and foster long-term partnerships, investing time post-event is crucial. Adopting a proactive approach to collaboration and relationship-building is essential; waiting for partners to take the initiative isn’t advisable. This is where a well-crafted meeting follow-up strategy becomes invaluable. In this blog, we’ll explore several strategies to enhance networking after attending the freight forwarders conference at Bali.
How to make the most of Globalia’s freight forwarders conference at Bali
Attending a freight forwarders conference can be exhilarating. The networking opportunities, insightful sessions, and exposure to industry trends all contribute to an enriching experience. However, the real magic often happens after the conference doors close. Effective post-conference follow-up is crucial for maximizing the benefits and turning those brief connections into long-lasting business relationships. Keep reading to explore some essential tips to help you master the art of post-conference follow-up and propel your business forward.
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Send a follow-up email to your partners
Sending a follow-up email is the optimal method for reconnecting with partners after an event. However, it’s crucial to steer clear of sending generic emails to all new connections. Personalization is key to demonstrating genuine interest. Craft your email to express why you’re eager about the partnership and highlight how you can contribute to the project. The recipient should sense your sincerity and enthusiasm, understanding your commitment to the upcoming endeavor.
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Follow up across multiple channels
Don’t limit your follow-up efforts to just email. Utilize various communication channels such as Facebook, Twitter, or even a phone call to reconnect with contacts. Different individuals prefer different communication methods, so by diversifying your approach, you increase the chances of reaching and engaging your contacts effectively.
Initially, utilize email as the primary means of communication with your partners. However, for urgent matters or when a more personal touch is needed, consider scheduling a phone or video call. While emails are essential for initial contact, don’t overlook the potential of phone calls, SMS, and social media. Following your partners’ social media accounts can foster rapport. Essentially, explore all communication channels to ensure effective connection with your partners.
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Reach out within two days of the meeting
Timing is crucial when sending follow-up messages to make a lasting impression on your partners. This ensures they prioritize your company when choosing service providers. Ideally, reach out on the same day as the meeting. A brief thank-you email outlining main action items is a great idea. Additionally, use this opportunity to address any areas of misunderstanding and clarify questions about the project. Clear communication at this stage sets a positive tone for future collaboration.
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Keep your message precise
Ensure your email doesn’t resemble a marketing pitch for your company. Respect your partners’ time by keeping your message concise and focused. Cut out lengthy introductions, repetitions, and unnecessary details. Remember, the shorter your email, the more likely your partner will take it seriously and respond promptly.
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Provide quick response
A cornerstone of an effective meeting follow-up strategy is providing prompt responses. It’s not just about initiating contact with your partners; it’s equally crucial to swiftly address any inquiries and quote-related emails from them. Globalia’s TMS FreightViewer will help you send an instant online quote to your partner thus eliminating the need to wait for hours or even days to receive a quotation.
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Offer valuable solutions
Remember, your follow-up strategy should not solely focus on increasing your ROI. While that’s undoubtedly a crucial business goal, your approach to post-meeting follow-up should primarily aim at enhancing your enterprise’s reputation. To achieve this, consider incorporating valuable insights and potential solutions relevant to the discussed project. Additionally, introducing your partner to trusted peers who can offer assistance with specific aspects of the project can be beneficial. This approach not only strengthens your relationship but also reinforces your commitment to collaboration and mutual success.
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Never push your partners into taking actions
It’s essential to avoid pressuring your partners into making decisions. Respect that their choices are based on their own interests, and they don’t owe you anything. Successful follow-up is a gradual process that demands patience and persistence. Conclude your interactions by seeking a convenient time for the next follow-up, allowing them space to consider their options. Bombarding partners with numerous emails and calls is ineffective and can be off-putting. Instead, wait for their response before crafting an appropriate follow-up message. Ultimately, your approach should prioritize mutual respect and consideration for your partners’ time and preferences.
Wrapping up
Post-conference follow-up is a crucial step in maximizing the value of attending industry events. By organizing your contacts, prioritizing your follow-ups, personalizing your outreach, providing value, utilizing multiple channels, nurturing long-term relationships, and measuring your results, you can boost your business and turn conference connections into valuable opportunities. Remember, successful follow-up is not just about closing deals; it’s about building meaningful relationships that benefit both parties in the long run.