Send a thank-you within a day of a coffee chat that names one piece of advice or insight you took away and anything you promised to do. If they offered an introduction, make it easy for them by including a short blurb they can forward.
Tell Lily who you met
Just met Sarah Lee from Northwind. She wants a demo next week and knows David from Brightline.
Lily created
Coffee chats and informational interviews are generous: someone gave you their time with nothing promised in return. A thoughtful thank-you shows the time mattered, and it sets up the relationship to continue. These templates cover the most common situations after a coffee meeting.
Template 1
Use when: A friendly conversation with no promised next step.
Subject: Thank you for the coffee today
Hi [first name], Thank you for making time for coffee today. Your advice on [specific advice] was exactly what I needed to hear, and I am going to [what you will do with it]. I really appreciate it. Best, [Your name]
Template 2
Use when: They offered to introduce you to someone.
Subject: Thank you, and a note for [contact's name]
Hi [first name], Thank you again for the coffee and for offering to introduce me to [contact's name]. To make it easy, here is a short note you can forward: "[Your name] is a [your role] working on [what you do]. They would value 20 minutes of your perspective on [topic]." No pressure at all if the timing is not right. Best, [Your name]
Template 3
Use when: You asked about their career or company.
Subject: Thank you for sharing your experience at [company]
Hi [first name], Thank you for telling me about your path into [field] and what it is like at [company]. Hearing about [specific detail] gave me a much clearer picture of the role. I will follow your suggestion and [next step]. I will let you know how it goes. Best, [Your name]
Template 4
Use when: Weeks later, after acting on their advice.
Subject: Your advice worked
Hi [first name], When we met for coffee in [month], you suggested [advice]. I tried it, and [result]. Thank you again. I would be happy to return the favor if I can ever help with [their area]. Best, [Your name]
Template 5
Use when: A few months later, to stay in touch.
Subject: Thought of you
Hi [first name], I came across [article or news] and thought of our conversation about [topic]. Hope [their project or team] is going well. Best, [Your name]
A thank-you the same afternoon or evening shows you valued their time and keeps the conversation fresh.
A short update weeks later, once you have used their advice, is one of the best ways to build the relationship.
A light check-in with news or a useful article keeps you connected without asking for anything.
The same day, or the next morning at the latest. A prompt thank-you shows you valued their time.
Email is standard and arrives while the conversation is fresh. A handwritten note can be a lovely extra for someone who went out of their way to help.
Thank them, then include a two- or three-sentence blurb about you that they can forward. Make it easy to say yes, and easy to say not now.
Write a note right after the coffee chat. In Genify you can record a quick voice note on the contact, so the details are there when you write the thank-you or check in months later.
Share an update when you act on their advice, and check in every few months with something useful. Do not ask for anything in most of these messages.
Draft for David
Follow-upHi David, great talking at Illuminate. You mentioned Q1 planning is the priority, so I put together a short overview of how a pilot could fit. Worth 15 minutes next week?
Based on
Your notes from Illuminate and the last email you sent
Drafts built from real context.
People
David Knox
Brightline
Jack Princeton
Harbor Equity
Megan Shay
Genify
Ben Harper
College friend
Sarah Lee
Northwind Labs
Anita Ayedun
Orion Capital
Categorize relationships your way.
Scan cards, save what you talked about by voice, and get a follow-up draft that references the conversation, so these templates write themselves.
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