The Cooperative Logistics Network’s 7th Annual Meeting, which brought together over 200 freight forwarders from around the world in Bali, has successfully concluded. With the freight forwarders conference behind us, it’s now crucial to develop an effective follow-up plan to initiate work on upcoming projects. The key to expanding operations lies in engaging in one-on-one discussions with your business partners. To truly maximize the impact of our Annual Meeting and build long-term partnerships, post-event engagement is essential. It’s important to adopt a proactive approach to collaboration and relationship-building, as waiting for partners to take the initiative can lead to missed opportunities. A well-crafted meeting follow-up strategy is invaluable in this regard.
In this blog, we’ll explore several strategies to enhance networking after attending the freight forwarders conference in Bali.
Tips to get the most out of the Coop’s freight forwarders conference
Attending a freight forwarders conference can go a long way towards boosting your partnerships with international forwarders and secure new projects from hundreds of network members from all around the world. The networking opportunities, insightful sessions, and exposure to industry trends all contribute to an enriching experience. However, the real magic often happens after the conference doors close. Effective post-conference follow-up is crucial for maximizing the benefits and turning those brief connections into long-lasting business relationships. Here are some essential tips to help you master the art of post-conference follow-up and propel your business forward:
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Send follow-up emails
Sending follow-up emails to partners with whom you had one-to-one meetings with is the best way to reconnect with partners after an event. However, avoid sending generic emails to all your new connections. Personalization is key to demonstrating genuine interest. Tailor your email to express why you’re excited about the partnership and highlight how you can contribute to the project. Moreover, the recipient should feel your sincerity and enthusiasm, understanding your commitment to the upcoming endeavor.
Timing is crucial when sending follow-up messages to make a lasting impression on your partners. This ensures they prioritize your company when choosing service providers. Ideally, reach out on the same day as the meeting. A brief thank-you email outlining main action items is a great idea. Additionally, use this opportunity to address any areas of misunderstanding and clarify questions about the project. Clear communication at this stage sets a positive tone for future collaboration.
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Don’t limit your follow-up endeavours to just email
You need to utilize various communication channels such as Facebook, Twitter, or even a phone call to reconnect with contacts. Different individuals prefer different communication methods, so by diversifying your approach, you increase the chances of reaching and engaging your contacts effectively. Initially, use email as the primary means of communication with your partners. However, for urgent matters or when a more personal touch is needed, consider scheduling a phone or video call. While emails are essential for initial contact, don’t overlook the potential of phone calls, SMS, and social media. Following your partners’ social media accounts can foster rapport. Essentially, explore all communication channels to ensure effective connection with your partners.
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Keep your email concise
Ensure your follow-up email doesn’t resemble a marketing pitch for your company. Respect your partners’ time by keeping your message concise and focused. Avoid lengthy introductions, repetitions, and unnecessary details. Remember, the shorter your email, the more likely your partner will take it seriously and respond promptly.
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Prompt responses are key
A cornerstone of an effective meeting follow-up strategy is providing prompt responses. It’s not just about initiating contact with your partners; it’s equally crucial to swiftly address any inquiries and quote-related emails from them. The Coop’s TMS FreightViewer will help you send an instant online quote to your partner, eliminating the need to wait for hours or even days to receive a quotation.
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Respect your partner’s decision making process
It’s important not to pressure your partners into making quick decisions. Understand that their choices are driven by their own interests, and they are not obligated to you. Effective follow-up is a gradual process requiring patience and persistence. End your communications by suggesting a suitable time for the next follow-up, giving them the space to consider their options. Overwhelming partners with numerous emails and calls can be counterproductive and may drive them away. Instead, wait for their response before sending a well-timed follow-up message. Your approach should always prioritize mutual respect and consider your partners’ time and preferences.
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Come up with innovative solutions to your partner’s problems
Keep in mind that your post-meeting follow-up strategy shouldn’t solely center on boosting your ROI. While that’s undoubtedly a critical business objective, your approach to follow-up should primarily focus on enhancing your company’s reputation. To achieve this, contemplate integrating valuable insights and potential solutions relevant to the discussed project. Furthermore, introducing your partner to trusted peers who can provide assistance with specific project aspects can be advantageous. This approach not only solidifies your relationship but also underscores your dedication to collaboration and shared success.
Final words
Following up after a freight forwarders conference is pivotal for extracting the full value of attending industry events. Through effective organization of contacts, prioritization of follow-ups, personalized outreach, value provision, utilization of various communication channels, cultivation of long-term relationships, and measurement of outcomes, you can elevate your business and transform conference connections into valuable opportunities. Keep in mind, successful follow-up extends beyond closing deals; it involves cultivating meaningful relationships that yield mutual benefits over time.