
The meeting doesn't end when the laptop is shut down. Follow-up messages are the most significant part of a meeting. The meeting host can reaffirm priorities, recap decisions, and discuss the next steps here. Rather than treating it as an optional step, consider it a necessity.
Follow-up emails after meetings: what you should include
It depends on the type of meeting, but follow-up emails typically contain the following components:
· Subject lines that are compelling and clear
· Thank you in a few words
· Conditions for the recipients
· Steps to take next
· Asking questions is open
· The call to action
Although this list may be long, it is usually short enough for recipients to read in a short period. Their comprehensiveness allows them to grasp not only what they discussed but what's to come as well.
Meeting type-specific follow-up considerations
Meetings held within the team
You should reflect on this in your follow-up email if you want your team meeting to be successful. Be sure to address team members' valid concerns in your email if they arise during a meeting.
Sales meetings
Throughout the sales process, you strive to establish and maintain relationships with your potential clients or customers. You can use follow-up emails to reengage prospects and leads by demonstrating your ability to listen, providing relevant takeaways from the conversation, and providing educational resources that may help them.
Meetings with customers
Meeting with customers can provide insights into their professional challenges, whether you're a product marketer or a customer success manager. By doing this, you can determine if your product or service meets their needs. A follow-up email will help you thank them, recap their key gripes, and explain how you plan to improve in the future.
Meetings for interviewing
Informational interviews are conducted by marketers purely to gain industry-related information about another company (who isn't a customer) to create some type of content or asset. Ask them questions and thank them for their time in follow-up emails.
Follow-up tips for post-meeting emails
Here are some best practices to follow when sending a follow-up email:
· Use the meeting topic in your email subject line
· Express your gratitude
· Identify the next steps and reaffirm them
· Double-check the email
· Personalize the experience to some degree
· Keeping top of mind requires timely recap emails
· Invite participants to a meeting to set expectations. Share meeting agendas and topics in advance.
· Keep your email short, aside from meeting notes