Lots of business people just like you attend lots of networking events, seminars, conferences and clubs. A whole lot of promises are made, a lot of pledges given, a lot of cards swapped and a lot of good intentions laid out.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions - so says Samuel Johnson. Everyone can talk a good game. You can promise anything.The great networkers and the professional connectors are the ones who follow up. Why should you? For eight reasons:

1. Because you said you would - you promised. You keep your word, right?
   
2. Because if you don't, it's like you never went. You did go, right?
   
3. Because it will enhance your performance. You want to be better, right?
   
4. Because a strong network is made up of small smart choices. You make good choices, right?
   
5. Because it makes you more disciplined with good habits. You want good habits, right?
   
6. Because your network needs you to plug in and connect. You want to build your network right?
7. Because it will give you more money, more kudos and more options. You want that stuff, right?
8. Because it will give you an edge. 95% of networkers don't follow up. You want an edge, right?
   

The next 3-4 days after any networking you do is vital to cement those relationships and turn those strangers into friends. It's a critical 'action' period for you.

The trail becomes cold in a matter of days. So here are seven simple things you can do to reinforce your connections with a strong follow up strategy:

1. Email them quickly, saying it was great to meet etc. Put something personal in there if you can.
   
2. Send them something useful (a book, article, resource, website).
3. Introduce them to somebody helpful, either by email or phone.
4. Ask for a connection -'do you know anyone who...?'
5. Reach out for help with a problem or challenge you have - people love to help.
6. Remind them of your strengths and skills - 'Remember I'm pretty good with X if you need any help with that.'
7. Invite them to a networking event. You know they network - that's how you met them!
   

Do something. Doing something is almost always better than doing nothing.

If you want to do something right now, invest £10 in my brand new Networking Follow Up Pocket Guide, with loads of motivational hints, tips and strategies to help you follow up your networking properly and make your conversations count!