So far; so good. You know you need to make a change in your career. You know what you love to do, and that you can make a comfortable living doing it. You've told family members and close friends about your career plans. You've set appointments with those that may help your move into your next career.

Now, what can you do during this appointment to show them that you have what it takes to succeed in your new position?

You'll need to make the right impression on those that can help you get into the follower buythat you desire. When they hear of a position you may be suited for, or if they meet with another person that can help you, you'll want to be sure that they won't hesitate to recommend you. That means that you'll need great follow up meetings with those you've contacted. Here are four steps to take to make sure your follow up meeting is successful:

1. Prepare For the Interview

Make no mistake; this is an interview for your new career and it should be treated as such. While your introduction was brief, this is the time to go into detail about your career goals, and to let your interview partner know how they can help you. You'll need to build rapport with your partner so that they'll want to help you in the future.

Since building rapport is a two-way street, make sure you take the time to find out what's important to them. I recommend finding out about their goals, both business and personal. If you can help them reach their goals, you'll make a great impression, and will be remembered for your actions.

Do you know what they've accomplished that they're particularly proud of? What skills did they use to succeed? This will give you insight into what they believe is important in their lives.

Do they belong to any groups or organizations that you may find beneficial to your career change? What do they like to do when they're not working? Do you have common interests? All of this matters when it comes to building solid relationships, so make sure that you show genuine interest in them as a person.

2. Take Notes

Unless you have a photographic memory, it would be a good idea to be prepared to jot some notes about your interview partner. They may tell you of a contact, or they may recommend a place for you to do further research that you may find beneficial, but they don't have a business card to give to you. Taking notes also shows that you're interested in what you partner is saying.

3. Prepare Them with an "Introduction Script"

Your contacts will need to know who you'd like to contact, and what you'd like them to say when they meet. You'll want to give them a copy of your skills summary and /or resume. It's a good idea to have your elevator speech written out too.

When it comes to effective elevator speeches, be sure to include who you are, what you do, what you are interested in doing, and why someone should use you instead of your competitor.

Keep this short. I recommend having 30 and 60 second versions (spoken at a natural pace) ready because that's the amount of time most people will give you before their attention drifts.

Here's a test for the effectiveness of your pitch - try it out on an eight year old. If they understand who you are and what you do in 30 - 60 seconds, then you have a good elevator speech.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWZgcjAVBmk

4. Stay In Touch with Them

Building your business relationship was one of your main goals for this meeting. That implies that you need to continue to build on it over time. While many are relying on social media to do so, which is fine, I believe it would be beneficial to see your partner in person regularly. Chances are this will be accomplished by your consistent attendance at networking functions, but how about touching bases with them at unscheduled times; like their birthday, anniversary, or child's graduation? A simple phone call or card will do wonders to help you solidify your relationship.

One final note - I strongly recommend that you also send a thank you card to your interview partner after the meeting. You want to be memorable and sending a card will help you stand out from the crowd. Remember, they may not remember everything you said, but they'll definitely remember how you made them feel.

No one successfully changes careers without help from others. You'll find that more follower buyare opened for you if you take the time to build relationships by having effective follow up meetings.

Leon R. Scott is a Certified Master Life Coach specializing in Career Transitions for veterans, upwardly mobile employees, and those wanting to change career paths.

Get free access to Leon's advice and tips about changing careers in the report entitled "So You Want To Change Careers. Are You Sure About That?" Go to