The conference follow-up that actually matters

I write weekly about the strategies, habits, and tactics around cultivating the connections that matter to you.

I love conferences. Love them, love them, love them. Sounds weird coming from an introvert, but I've at times attended 15+ a year. We could talk a lot about best practices and tips I’ve earned over the years.

Most people who attend conferences completely blow the real opportunity.

They collect business cards, have great conversations, feel energized... then do absolutely nothing with any of it. Those cards end up in a desk drawer or (let's be honest) going through the wash.

The real value of a conference isn't what happens during the event. It's what you do in the 48 hours after.

During the conference, keep it simple

Don't try to update your CRM or send perfect follow-up emails while you're there. That's a recipe for burnout by day two.

Instead, just scribble. Stream-of-consciousness notes in a basic notepad:

• "Sarah, fintech, golden retriever named Kevin"

• "Bob - CTO challenges, send article on team culture"

• "Lisa - expanding to Austin, connect with Mike"

The key is capturing two things:

1. Personal details that make them human

2. Next steps - what you promised to do or what they need

After: where the magic happens

Block off half a day within 48 hours of getting home. Not kidding. Half a day.

Create a simple spreadsheet with four columns:

• Name

• Contact info

• Notes

• Next steps

Go through your scribbled notes and fill this out for everyone you met. Even people you think have "no immediate value" - you're building a network, not just hunting for deals.

Then execute those next steps immediately. Send the article. Make the introduction. Book the follow-up call.

Sample follow-up: "Hey Bob, great chatting about your CTO challenges at the conference. Here's that article on engineering team culture we discussed. Let's grab virtual coffee in the next few weeks."

The brutal truth

Most people will read this, nod along, then do nothing. They'll attend their next conference, have great conversations, and let all that potential evaporate.

Don't be most people.

The conference is just mixing the ingredients. The follow-up is putting them in the oven. Without it, you just have expensive cookie dough.

Your competitive advantage isn't being the smartest person in the room. It's being the one who actually follows through.

Try this at your next conference. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes.

Until next week, Zvi

P.S. If you can't remember who Kevin the golden retriever belongs to, it's already too late. Take better notes next time! 🐶

On YouTube: How to Connect Across Political Divides (Without Losing Your Values)

Ever distanced yourself from someone because of their politics? In this video, I’m sharing why that instinct might be hurting more than helping—and how to build real, resilient relationships even when you don’t agree.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why filtering people by politics limits your network (and your opportunities)

• A surprising story about two political opposites who ended up collaborating

• How to stay curious, not combative, in tough conversations

• Practical phrases to protect relationships without compromising your values

• The mindset shift that turns disagreement into connection

You can see all my videos and interviews on my channel! If you find these helpful, I’d appreciate a like, subscribe, and share with a friend, colleague, or enemy.

If you found this valuable, you might love Relatable. It’s the CRM built from the ground up to help you grow your network, not your business pipeline (but it does that too).