Turning brief encounters into lasting bonds requires follow-up

At a marketing symposium, CEO Mara slipped out early from the keynote room. She barely remembered the speaker’s name—until she bumped into him in the lobby. She handed him her card, and he smiled politely. Back at her office, she realized she hadn’t asked for a firm next step, so she shot off an email that afternoon: “It was a pleasure meeting you, Dr. Liu. I really appreciated your insight on brand storytelling. I’d love ten minutes to discuss how we can apply your framework to our client roster—any chance next Tuesday morning works for you?”

By next week, a rapport was forming. They’d met virtually for a quick brainstorm, and Liu had agreed to present at Mara’s clients’ workshop. Had Mara waited or fumbled the follow-up, that opportunity would have slipped away.

True connections aren’t built on chance encounters alone—they’re woven through timely follow-ups that deepen trust. In an age of fleeting attention, generosity and speed put you top of mind.

Science shows follow-up sharpens memory and forges social bonds by triggering our reciprocity instinct. When you show you care enough to act while the meeting is fresh, you’re telling the other person that their time, insights, and presence matter.

Tonight, review your calendar and pick three people you met this week. Send each a brief note—no more than two sentences—thanking them for something specific you learned and suggesting a next step, however small. This simple habit will cement relationships before they slip through the cracks.