Business events are rife with potential - you exchange details, have promising conversations, and leave buzzing with possibility.

Then comes the follow-up... and crickets. It happens to the best of us, but not everyone handles that lukewarm response with finesse.

If you're tired of chasing connections that go nowhere, it might not be them – it might be your follow-up message.

Here's how to take a fresh approach, particularly as a non-native English speaker, and elevate your networking game.

Why Is Following Up So Hard?

• Uncertainty: Were they actually interested, or just polite? Fear of misreading social cues is real.
   
• Rejection Sensitive: No one enjoys feeling ghosted. It's natural to doubt yourself and hesitate to send that follow-up.
   
• Language Barriers: For non-native speakers, finding the right wording to sound confident and professional can be an added hurdle.

Upgrade Your Follow-up Toolkit

Forget those standard "just checking in" emails. The right phrases get you noticed:
 

• The Busy Executive: Acknowledge their time pressures, offer something concrete like an insightful industry report.
   
• The Casual Encounter: Focus on shared interests – suggest grabbing coffee to continue a discussion.
   
• The Ghost: Craft a concise farewell message. It leaves the door open without sounding desperate.
  
  
   

Phrases That Sabotage Your Efforts
 

These overused, bland statements will get you ignored, or worse, deleted:

• "Did you get my email?"
   
• "Any updates?"
   
• Clichés like "touching base"
   

The episode, "Networking Nightmares: Mastering the Non-Mutual Follow-Up" digs deeper – we teach you to avoid these pitfalls and craft high-impact messages.



 

Mastering the Networking Ninja-Move
 

The real secret lies in demonstrating empathy, prioritizing genuine connection, and ditching generic language.

It's about adding value, showing interest in them, and projecting confidence with your word choice.

This transforms cold contacts into valuable prospects.

Think of it this way: persistence is powerful, but only when combined with exceptional communication skills.

If you're ready to break out of the awkward follow-up fumble, this podcast episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about making lasting professional connections.

The BEP Premium Zone – Your VIP Lounge

Want access to even more advanced phrasing, in-depth scenarios, and expert strategies tailored to a global business setting?

The Business English Podcast Premium (BEP Premium) membership takes your networking to executive-level sophistication.

Unlock more in-depth episodes, exclusive resources, and personalized support to help you achieve fluency and land those big opportunities.

Let's make those networking dreams a reality!

WANT MORE FROM THE SHOW...

TRANSCRIPTS, PRONUNCIATION SUPPORT, ONE-PAGE PDFs, QUIZZES...?