How Should You Follow Up on a Business Dinner?

If you've organised a business dinner and enjoyed a working meal out, now's the time to follow up. It's important you always follow up on a meeting of any kind, including those more informal business meals. Don't let the opportunity get away from you, because business dinners are a brilliant way of furthering key business relationships.

When you first come away from the event, you should jot down names and descriptions of each person in a notebook. That way you will remember them on a more personal level next time you meet.

Remember that a business dinner is a little bit like a date. Get in touch too soon and you look needy, leave it too long and they might think you're not interested. You should contact them between 24 and 48 hours after the meal, letting them know that you enjoyed talking to them and that you're getting in touch to see if they're interested in working with you.

Whether you contact them face-to-face, by telephone or via email, start with a little small talk before you bring the business in – ask about family or colleagues, how they found the restaurant or how their day has been so far. Having met on a more personal level, launching straight into business might seem a little rude.

If you get the brush-off, don't assume the relationship is over or that you should give up. It could simply be the wrong time. Let them know, once again, that you really enjoyed the meeting and hope there will be opportunities to meet in the future.