A useful networking note records where you met, what they do, what matters to them, the shared topic and the promised action. Write it straight after the conversation, in the person's own words, and add the follow-up date.
A useful note should help you remember the person and continue the relationship. Ask yourself: will this note help me in a month?
Framework
How to take notes at a networking event: the five-part note
Reference
A weak note and a strong note
| Example | |
|---|---|
| Weak note | Nice person. Connect on LinkedIn. |
| Strong note | Met after the supply-chain session. Runs regional events for a technology association and is exploring ways to improve sponsor engagement. Interested in attendee-to-sponsor introductions. Promised to send the sponsor-engagement checklist and connect her with our partnerships lead. |
Note-taking rules
Write well
- Write notes immediately
- Use the person's own terminology
- Record the reason for follow-up
- Separate facts from assumptions
Stay careful
- Avoid sensitive information
- Record the promised action
- Note when follow-up should occur
- Respect the person's communication preference
How to remember names and people
Use the person's name once in the conversation, and jot down a short cue afterwards, such as where you met or what they were working on. Review your notes the same evening, while the day is fresh.
Exhibitors and attendees
Exhibitors and attendees
Notes are shared records
- Use one structure across the whole team
- Link the contact to the organisation
- Write the next step and its owner
Notes are your memory
- Keep a simple notes card or app
- Write the promise you made
- Add a follow-up date
Worksheet
Worksheet: networking notes
| Name and organisation | |
| Role | |
| Where we met | |
| Topic discussed | |
| What matters to them | |
| Shared context | |
| Useful resource | |
| Promised action | |
| Next step and follow-up date | |
| Communication preference |
Ready to use your notes? Move on to follow up after the event. For exhibitors capturing leads, see the Trade Show Lead Capture Guide.
Frequently asked questions
What should you write in networking notes?
Where you met, what they do, what matters to them, the shared topic and the promised action, plus the follow-up date and their communication preference. Use their own words and avoid sensitive information.
How do you remember people you meet at events?
Write a short note immediately after the conversation, record the shared topic and the promised action, and review your notes the same evening.
Is there a networking notes template?
Yes. The worksheet on this page has the five-part structure plus fields for the next step, the follow-up date and communication preference.