Friends with Benefits

You never know whom you’re going to meet. This past Friday evening, I attended First Fridays, a monthly fundraiser hosted by the Museum of Contemporary Art. While there, I enjoyed plenty of h'orderves and cocktails but I also made a new friend. Much to my chagrin, this friend was not an eligible bachelor. However, it was a woman I had never met before that is a member of the Junior Leaguer. I’m always delighted to meet other women from the League. This particular woman is in the same career field as me and could potentially serve as an excellent mentor.

But what do you do when you make a new friend that could be a key professional contact or mentor? Or even someone just to network with? You send a follow up e-mail, of course. Why send an e-mail? To some that may sound like overkill but it’s nice and it opens the door for other conversations. When I meet other women who work in philanthropy, I often invite them out for coffee to hear about their jobs and how they got there. This is a great way to network but also to make a new pal.

What to say? Below is a simple template you can use after meeting someone new:

“Dear Carol,

It was at absolute pleasure to meet you this past weekend at the fundraiser for the Museum of Contemporary Art. I would love to take you to coffee to learn more about the library field and your career in literature. Please let me know when you are available and we will make a date. Thank you in advance and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,

Suzanne”

It is best to keep this type of e-mail short and to the point although it also provides a reminder of meeting you. This also demonstrates that you’re not only thoughtful but also professional. These types of e-mails are not limited to career or professional relationships- they can be about anything. Interested in volunteering with a new charity? Want to learn how to become a member of a particular auxiliary board? Thinking about going to a certain business school? Looking for a realtor?  The possibilities are endless when networking and making new friends. And remember, “A stranger is just a friend I haven't met yet.”