Cultivating Your Network
An effective network is more than a collection of business cards. Develop closer professional relationships and advance your career by keeping in touch with your contacts and taking the initiative to reach out if you’ve let a valuable connection grow cold.
Regular communication will strengthen your relationships, and there are steps you can take if you’ve been somewhat inattentive in the past. Try these tips for heating up your network.
TIPS FOR PREVENTING YOUR NETWORK FROM GROWING COLD:
- BE SELECTIVE.
Quality matters more than quantity. You’re more likely to cultivate authentic relationships if you prioritize. Figure out who your key contacts are and devote most of your time and energy to them without being creepy or stalkerish.
- CREATE A SYSTEM.
Networking is also easier when you’re organized. That might mean scanning business cards or creating a whole database. There are new technologies that allow you to present a digital business card that downloads your contact details, why not invest in one of these tools.
- BLOCK OUT TIME.
Put networking on your daily or weekly calendar. You could set aside a half hour in the morning to make phone calls or set a goal for eating lunch with one of your contacts at least once a week.
- INCREASE YOUR VISIBILITY.
Speaking, teaching, and publishing on topics related to your career will also give you opportunities to make new contacts and refresh old ones. Check out LinkedIn or Eventbrite for any an upcoming industry events that you may be interested in attending.
- OFFER CONGRATULATIONS.
Most of your contacts will be delighted to hear from you if you express a genuine interest in their lives and appreciation for their achievements. Relay your good wishes when you hear someone has been promoted or landed a major account.
- SEND QUIRKY GREETINGS.
International Women’s Day, Are You Okay day or something as simple as hug you dog Day can be a fitting occasion for reaching out to your colleagues. Try personalizing your message for your key contacts and creating a more general version you can use with contacts who you interact with less frequently.
AND Remember – TAKE TIME OFF.
Scheduling periodic breaks from networking may help you to stay motivated and balanced. You may want to forget about business when you’re with your family or faith community.
