The Tiered System

Not every new contact deserves equal follow-up. Create three tiers: high-potential (within 24h), medium (within a week), casual (within a month). For a high-potential contact, send a two-line note the same night — it beats any polished email a week later. Medium and casual contacts can wait for their tier.

Tier based on mutual interest and potential value. High-tier contacts get personalized messages; casual tiers get a quick LinkedIn connection with a note referencing where you met — enough context that the accept feels obvious.