A good networking conversation can still leave you unsure what to write afterward. You may wonder whether the other person genuinely enjoyed meeting you, whether you talked too much, or whether a follow-up will feel awkward. A brief, specific message is often enough to keep the connection open—and you do not need to resolve every doubt before sending one.

Imagine meeting with a senior director whose career you admire. She shares how she nearly turned down the job that changed her career and closes with, “Let me know if I can help.” You leave encouraged, but later struggle to write a thank-you. If weeks pass, embarrassment about the delay can make it even harder to reach out. These five approaches can help you follow up without overthinking it.

Why a good conversation may feel uncertain

Research suggests people often underestimate how much a new conversation partner likes them and enjoys their company. In a series of studies, researchers found this “liking gap” after conversations of different lengths. It persisted for months among college roommates.

One reason may be that people focus on their own perceived mistakes: an answer that rambled or a question they wish they had phrased differently. The other person may have left with a more positive impression. A pleasant conversation does not guarantee an ongoing relationship, but you do not have to know what the other person wants before sending a thank-you.

Five ways to follow up after networking

1. Send a short, specific thank-you

Try to write the next day, while the conversation is fresh and before you begin putting it off. A few sentences can acknowledge the person’s time, name something useful they shared, and explain why it mattered to you.

For example: “Thanks again for making time yesterday. What you said about taking the job nobody else wanted helped me think differently about the operations role. I appreciated hearing how you made that decision.”

You may also be overestimating how awkward a note of appreciation will feel. In research on gratitude letters, writers underestimated recipients’ positive reactions and overestimated how awkward the letters would feel. The research was not about networking emails, but it offers a reason to question the hesitation.

2. Follow through on what they offered

“Let me know if I can help” can make it unclear what is appropriate to ask. Begin with any specific offer the person made. If she said, “Send me your résumé and I’ll pass it along,” attach your résumé to the thank-you. If she offered to introduce you to a colleague, mention the introduction and include a sentence or two she can forward.

For a general offer, keep a request focused and manageable. You might ask, “You mentioned that your team works closely with operations. Is there someone you’d suggest I speak with to learn more about the role?” You can also simply thank the person; there is no need to invent a request.

3. Share what happened next

If you act on someone’s advice, tell them what happened. They may remember your conversation but not know whether their suggestion helped. For instance: “I took your advice and asked my manager about the operations project. I start next month. Our conversation helped me feel ready to ask, and I wanted to thank you.”

An update gives you a natural reason to reconnect and makes your appreciation concrete. You can follow up even if things did not work out as hoped: “I spoke with the hiring manager and learned that the role requires more technical experience than I have. I’m glad I asked, though. It helped me identify what I need to learn next.”

4. Reach out when something reminds you of them

You do not need a schedule for checking in with every contact. Instead, look for a relevant reason connected to what you know about the person. You might share an article related to a hiring challenge they mentioned or congratulate them when their team launches a product they discussed.

For example: “I saw that your team launched the new service. Congratulations! When we spoke, you mentioned how much work had gone into it. I hope the launch went well.” If you send an article, say why it brought the person to mind so they can quickly decide whether it is useful.

5. Follow up even if time has passed

If you have an unsent email, the suggestion to write within a day may feel too late. Write anyway. Briefly acknowledge the delay, then return to the conversation: “I meant to send this sooner, but I wanted to thank you for our conversation. Your advice about the operations role has stayed with me. I’ve since spoken with the hiring manager and decided to apply.”

You do not need to explain everything that kept you from writing. A specific thank-you gives the recipient something more useful to respond to than a long apology. If you have been meaning to contact someone, start with one thing you appreciated. You may still feel embarrassed when you press send; you can thank them before that feeling disappears.