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2 years ago in Research Networking By Joshna

How do I turn a conference conversation into a long-term professional connection?

I had a great 10-minute chat with a professor at a conference poster. We exchanged emails. Now what? How do I follow up to keep the connection alive without being annoying or seeming like I want something specific right now?

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By Aaqib Answered 3 weeks ago

The first follow-up is critical. Within 48 hours, send a short email: "It was a pleasure discussing [topic] with you at [Conference]. I particularly enjoyed our conversation about [specific point]. As mentioned, I'm working on [your project]; I've attached my latest preprint/cv for your reference. I look forward to staying in touch." This jogs their memory and provides a document. For long-term cultivation, use "light touchpoints" every 6-12 months: Share a relevant paper (theirs or another's) with a one-sentence note: "This reminded me of your work on X." Congratulate them on a new publication or award. Ask a brief, informed question when their new work intersects with yours. The key is low-frequency, high-relevance contact that shows you're an attentive member of their scholarly community, not a persistent solicitor.

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