The Art of the Follow-Up: 5 Non-Awkward Ways to Stay on Someone’s Radar

You’re at a networking event or conference. The conversation flows, business cards are swapped, and you leave the event feeling energized. Fast-forward a week, and you’re staring at a blank email draft, paralyzed by the fear of sounding pushy, salesy, or desperate. 

Sound familiar?

According to LinkedIn Relationship Research, 88% of professionals admit they’ve let valuable connections fade because they didn’t follow up effectively. 

But here’s the good news: staying memorable doesn’t require grand gestures. It’s about intentional, low-pressure touches that keep you top of mind. 

Why Most Follow-Ups Fail 

Before we dive into what works, let’s quickly look at why follow-ups often fall flat.

Most professionals make two common mistakes:

• They ghost: Afraid of coming off as annoying, they say nothing at all. 80% of potential opportunities vanish because people never follow up.
• Making It All About the Ask: Jumping straight to “Let’s hop on a call!” before any real rapport is built. If you do this, you come across as transactional and untrustworthy.

The fix? Shift your mindset. Follow-up isn’t about chasing someone down or pitching them something. It’s about continuing a conversation. When you show genuine interest and offer value first, people are far more likely to remember you and respond.

5 Non-Awkward Ways to Follow Up

Following up doesn’t have to be awkward, salesy, or forced. When done right, it feels like a natural extension of a good conversation and builds trust over time. 

Here are five follow-up strategies that help you stay memorable (without being annoying):

1. The “Nice to Meet You” Email (24–48 Hours Later) 

Send a short, friendly email soon after meeting someone. Remind them who you are and what you talked about.

Research shows that timely follow-up increases recall and trust. It shows you were genuinely engaged in the conversation. It’s also an easy way to stand out, especially if others don’t bother to follow up.

Sample Script:

Hi [Name],

 It was great meeting you at [event] yesterday. I enjoyed our chat about [topic]. 

Would love to stay in touch. Let me know if there’s any way I can support you.

 Best, 

[Your Name]

2. The “Saw This and Thought of You” Share

Send them a relevant article, podcast episode, event invite, or social media post based on your previous conversation.

It’s thoughtful and personalized. You’re not just checking in, but offering something valuable. It builds goodwill without asking for anything in return. 

Sample Script:

Hey [Name],

I came across this [article/podcast/resource] about [topic] and immediately thought of our conversation last week. Thought it might be helpful or interesting to you!

Best,

[Your Name]

 3. The Casual Check-In

Reach out to say hi or ask how things are going. Reference a past conversation or ask about their current projects.

Casual touchpoints keep the connection warm and ongoing, even if you haven’t spoken in a while. It can also open the door for a more meaningful conversation later.

 Sample Script:

Hi [Name],

 How’s everything going with [project/topic they mentioned]? I just read about [industry news] and wondered how it’s impacting your work.

 Warm regards,

[Your Name]

 4. The “Add Value” Follow-Up

Before you ask for anything (like a meeting or introduction), offer something useful—an insight, a tool, a connection.

 This follow-up positions you as helpful, informed, and someone worth keeping in their circle. It also makes any future asks feel more natural and earned.

 Sample Script:

Hi [Name],

I remember you mentioned challenges with [problem]. I put together this [checklist/template] that helped me. Feel free to use it!

Hope it’s helpful! No need to reply—I just wanted to share.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

5. The “Milestone” Touchpoint

Reach out when they hit a personal or professional milestone—promotion, work anniversary, new product launch, etc.

Celebrating someone’s success shows you’re paying attention and genuinely happy for them. It also strengthens the emotional connection.

Sample Script:

Hi [Name],

Just saw your update about [new role/launch/award]—huge congratulations! You’ve worked hard, and it’s so great to see your efforts paying off.

Would love to hear more about it sometime. Hope you’re celebrating!

All the best,

[Your Name]

Pro Tips to Avoid Awkwardness

Timing Matters

Wait 24–48 hours after the meeting to send your first follow-up. Too soon can feel overeager; too late risks being forgotten.

Keep It Short

Aim for 3–4 sentences. Respect their time and make your point quickly.

Track Interactions

Use a simple CRM or spreadsheet to note dates, topics, and personal details (e.g. “Loves trail running”). This ensures each message feels personalized.

Final Thoughts

Following up isn’t about chasing or inviting them to hop on a call with you. Instead, it’s about continuing a genuine conversation. 

Pick one of these five strategies to try this week. You’ll be surprised how a small, thoughtful note can turn a casual introduction into a valuable relationship.

Ready to practice these strategies? Join a 4BR group to meet professionals who appreciate authentic connections and practice your follow-up skills in a supportive community.