What are the best ways to follow up with someone you met through mobile technology?

Choose the right channel

The first step to follow up with someone you met through mobile technology is to choose the right channel for communication. Depending on the context and the purpose of your interaction, you might want to use different tools, such as email, text, phone, or video call. For example, if you met someone at a virtual conference and you want to discuss a business opportunity, email might be the most appropriate and professional way to reach out. If you met someone on a dating app and you want to ask them out, text might be more casual and personal. If you met someone on a social media platform and you want to share some insights or resources, a phone or video call might be more engaging and interactive. Think about what you want to achieve and what the other person might prefer before you decide on the channel.

Be timely and specific

The second step to follow up with someone you met through mobile technology is to be timely and specific. You don't want to wait too long to contact them, as they might lose interest or forget about you. You also don't want to contact them too soon, as they might feel overwhelmed or pressured. A good rule of thumb is to follow up within 24 hours of your initial interaction, unless you agreed on a different time frame. When you follow up, be specific about why you are contacting them and what you want to talk about. For example, you can mention something you learned from them, something you have in common, or something you can offer them. Avoid vague or generic messages, such as "Hey, how are you?" or "It was nice meeting you". Instead, use their name and show that you remember and value the conversation you had.

Be respectful and attentive

The third step to follow up with someone you met through mobile technology is to be respectful and attentive. You want to show that you are interested in them and that you respect their time and boundaries. You can do this by being polite, positive, and professional in your tone and language. Avoid using slang, abbreviations, or emojis that might be misunderstood or inappropriate. You can also be attentive by listening to what they say, asking relevant questions, and giving feedback. Don't make the conversation all about yourself or your agenda. Instead, try to find a balance between sharing and learning, and show that you care about their opinions, needs, and goals.

Be consistent and authentic

The fourth step to follow up with someone you met through mobile technology is to be consistent and authentic. You want to build trust and rapport with them and show that you are reliable and genuine. You can do this by being consistent in your communication frequency and style. Don't send too many or too few messages, and don't change your tone or personality depending on the situation. You can also be authentic by being honest, transparent, and respectful. Don't lie, exaggerate, or manipulate to get what you want. Don't pretend to be someone you are not or agree with everything they say. Instead, be yourself and express your values, interests, and aspirations.

Be creative and proactive

The fifth step to follow up with someone you met through mobile technology is to be creative and proactive. You want to keep the conversation interesting and exciting and show that you are willing to take action and move the relationship forward. You can do this by being creative in your content and format. Don't repeat the same topics or use the same channel every time. Instead, try to mix things up and surprise them with something new and relevant. For example, you can send them a video, a podcast, or an article that relates to their interests or challenges. You can also invite them to join you for an online event, a webinar, or a course that might benefit them. You can also be proactive in your goals and expectations. Don't wait for them to make the first move or assume that they know what you want. Instead, be clear and confident about what you are looking for and what you can offer. For example, you can ask them for a feedback, a referral, or a date, depending on the context and the stage of the relationship.

Follow up with someone you met through mobile technology

Following up with someone you met through mobile technology can be challenging, but also rewarding. By following these tips, you can make a good impression and stay in touch with them. You can also build a professional or personal relationship that might lead to new opportunities, collaborations, or friendships. Remember to choose the right channel, be timely and specific, be respectful and attentive, be consistent and authentic, and be creative and proactive. And don't forget to have fun and enjoy the process of connecting with someone new.

Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?