Haveo · How to follow up after meeting someone at a networking event
Following up when it has been too long
Send it anyway. Name the gap in half a sentence and move on — "we met at [event] back in March and I have been meaning to write since." The long apology is what makes it awkward. The delay itself is almost never the problem.
Half a sentence, then the point
"I have been meaning to write since" covers it completely. Three lines about how busy you have been makes your delay the subject of their email.
Then go straight to the specific thing you remember. That is what proves the meeting was real.
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You still need the detail
If you can recall what they said, the gap does not matter much. If you cannot, the message reads as a contact-list sweep, and that is the thing people ignore.
Check their LinkedIn before you write. Something they have posted since is a legitimate reason to make contact now rather than then.
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Use the delay as the reason
"I saw you had launched [thing] and it reminded me we met at [event]" is a better message than a punctual one with nothing in it.
A late message with a reason beats a fast message without one.
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When it is genuinely too late
Almost never for a connection. Frequently for a specific opportunity — a role, a project, a deadline they mentioned.
If that was the point, say so plainly and ask whether the door is still open. The worst outcome is a no, which is where you already are.
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Rehearse it before you walk in.
Haveo builds your intro, lets you practice out loud with an AI coach, and keeps your notes one tap away in the room. Free on iPhone and iPad.
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