Personal Development
Six ways to stay in touch with your network
This week we’ve discussed the importance of building a network and how to meet people at events. But, meeting them is just part of the equation. To build a proper network, you have to stay in contact with them. This can be quite the challenge as you build a larger network and live your busy life!
Here are a few painless ways to keep in touch with your network:
1. Periodically send them news clips, links, or recommendations of things they might like. You might send a copy of book review with a note that says, “This made me think of you. Hope all is well. Talk soon!”
2. Message them. Write something on their Facebook wall, @ them through Twitter, comment on their blog.
3. Keep them updated. Send them a quick email with a short paragraph on how you’re doing and what you’re up to. Preferably this would be personalized to them, but a network can get so large that this just isn’t possible. This is when a more formal newsletter-type approach might be more appropriate.
4. Invite them to an event. If you’re going to an event or conference you think they would be interested, invite them to go with you.
5. Socialize with them. Going out on Friday night? Take a look at your contacts and see if anyone might be interested in just hanging out with you.
6. Offer them opportunities. Is your company looking to hire someone? Send the opportunity to your network. They can either take advantage of it themselves or pass it on to their own networks.
Bonus: Coffee dates with your local networks are always perfect!
Discussion
6 comments for “Six ways to stay in touch with your network”
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It’s definitely harder as your network grows. I love sending greeting cards cuz I can automate remembering birthdays, follow-up, and even send brownies through Send Out Cards. Remember thank you notes — make up reasons to say thanks. You will really stand out in their mind — and that’s hard to do.
I really like the first tip - it’s so hard to be creative in keeping in touch, and while it’s hardly necessary, it certainly keeps things interesting and more memorable!
@Becki - Who doesn’t like to receive some snail mail every now and again? Thanks for the tip!
@Rebecca - Definitely. The more personal you can make your touches the better!
Terrific article and great reminders! I would add that keeping up a robust database of your contacts and your encounters with them helps you make sure you are keeping up with them like you should, and remembering key milestones in your contacts’ lives. I use the “free” online version of http://www.batchblue.com, but really, a good spreadsheet could also do the trick.
[...] realize that the opportunity in most jobs is not to learn a specific or creative skill, but to learn people skills, which are far more important at the end of the [...]
[...] realize that the opportunity in most jobs is not to learn a specific or creative skill, but to learn people skills, which are far more important at the end of the [...]