Networking Follow Up Message Templates That Never Feel Salesy

What do you actually type in a follow up message so it feels warm and human, not like a sales pitch? You lead with something specific you remembered from the conversation, you give before you ask, and you keep it short enough to read on a phone while standing in a queue. That is the whole trick. A good follow up sounds like a friend remembering, not a seller chasing.

Below are nine templates you can copy, paste and tweak for the situations that actually come up: right after an event, after a warm intro, when someone goes quiet, and more. Steal the structure, keep your own voice. If you want the thinking behind these, read our full guide on how to follow up, and see where follow through sits in the bigger picture on the networking hub.

The one rule behind every template

Most follow ups fail because they open with the ask. You met someone for four minutes, and your first message is a request for a call. The message that lands is the one that gives before it asks. So every template here opens with a memory, a thank you, or something useful, and only then makes a light, easy to say yes to request.

Nine follow up templates you can copy and paste

1. Right after meeting at an event

Use this within 24 hours, while the face and the chat are still fresh in their mind.

Hi [Name], really enjoyed talking about [specific thing you discussed] at [event] today. You mentioned [detail they said], and it stayed with me. Adding you here so we stay in touch. If it is ever useful, happy to share [small helpful thing]. Have a good week.

2. After a warm introduction

Use this when a mutual friend has connected the two of you over email or WhatsApp.

Hi [Name], thank you [mutual friend] for the intro. [Mutual friend] spoke highly of the work you are doing at [company], so I was keen to say hello properly. No agenda from my side right now, just glad to be connected. If you are ever up for a quick chat about [shared topic], I would enjoy that.

3. Reconnecting after months of silence

Use this when you have lost touch and feel a little awkward about the gap. Name the gap lightly and move on.

Hi [Name], it has been a while and that is fully on me. You came to mind because [specific reason: I saw your post, I remembered your advice, your name came up]. Genuinely hope things are going well at [company]. Would love to catch up over a coffee or a call whenever you have a slot.

4. After a great conversation

Use this when a chat went deep and you want to keep the momentum without being intense about it.

Hi [Name], still thinking about what you said on [topic]. It gave me a clearer way to look at [thing]. Thank you for being so generous with your time. I will send across [resource or intro you promised] by [day]. Let us keep this conversation going.

5. When they went quiet

Use this after one unanswered message. People do not go cold because they dislike you. They go cold because life got busy. So make it effortless to reply.

Hi [Name], I know inboxes get wild, so no pressure at all. Just floating this back up in case it slipped through. If now is not the right time, a simple “later” works and I will check back in a few weeks. Either way, no worries.

6. A LinkedIn connection note

Use this when you send a connection request to someone you have not met in person yet. Give them a reason.

Hi [Name], I have been following [company or their work] and really liked your take on [specific post or theme]. Would like to connect and keep learning from what you share. No pitch, promise.

7. Saying a proper thank you

Use this after someone helped you, referred you, or spent real time on you. A specific thank you is remembered for months.

Hi [Name], I wanted to say a real thank you for [specific thing they did]. It made a genuine difference, and it is the kind of thing people rarely take the time to do. If there is ever a way I can return the favour, please do not hesitate to ask.

8. Sharing something useful

Use this as a no ask touchpoint that keeps you present in someone’s mind. This is the friendliest follow up there is.

Hi [Name], saw this and instantly thought of you and the [project or problem] you mentioned: [link or short idea]. Thought it might be handy. No reply needed, just passing it along.

9. Asking for a quick call

Use this once some warmth already exists. Keep it short, offer a tiny time commitment, and make scheduling easy.

Hi [Name], would you be open to a quick 15 minute call sometime next week? I would love to hear how [their focus area] is going and share a couple of things that might be relevant for you. Happy to work fully around your calendar. Would Tuesday or Thursday suit?

How to make these your own

Never send these word for word to ten people. The one specific detail you drop in, the thing they actually said, is what turns a template into a real message. Swap the placeholders, cut anything that does not sound like how you speak, and keep it warmer than you think you need to. If your follow ups are meant to bring in work, our guide on networking for business shows how to move from a friendly chat to a genuine opportunity without ever getting pushy.

Follow up template FAQs

How soon should I send a follow up after meeting someone?

Within 24 hours for anyone you met at an event, and same day if the conversation was strong. The sooner you write, the fresher you are in their memory, and the easier it is to reference something specific you both talked about. Waiting a week means you are now a stranger reminding them who you are.

What do I do if they never reply?

Send one gentle nudge after a week or two, then let it rest. Silence is almost never a no, it is usually a busy week. Move them to a slower rhythm and share something useful in a month with zero ask attached. Most reconnections happen on the give, not the chase.

How do I follow up without sounding desperate or salesy?

Open with a memory, a thank you, or something helpful, and make your ask small and easy to decline. Desperation shows up when you ask for a lot, too soon, from someone who barely knows you. Give first, keep it short, and let the relationship set the pace.