“I have no problem having that first coffee chat or informational phone call. But how do I build a long-term networking relationship without appearing too aggressive?” — Path Relaunch client
This is a quandary that I am often asked about. People know that networking is critical for job search success and for advancing your career, unfortunately many people don’t start networking until they need to. What they don’t realize is that it pays to stay networked so when the time comes to leverage your contacts for help, you already have a built in base of people open to helping you.
But how do you stay in touch and remain top of mind in a natural, sincere way that doesn’t reek of “I need something from you”? Here are 5 highly effective ways to stay connected and nurture a professional relationship:
1. Network for the Long Term
If you are viewing networking as a one and done transaction, then you really aren’t networking. Building a strong professional relationship requires getting to know a person and that can take time. As I discussed in my Network Like the Pros blog, be curious. During all your interactions, ask questions and be an active listener. Show genuine interest in her both professionally and personally. Where is she from? Does she have kids? What hobbies does she have? These little details will help give you the foundation to continue the relationship beyond the first informational interview or coffee chat.
2. Stay in Touch
Social media has made it easier than ever to stay on the radar of your contacts in a non-obtrusive way. When you receive LinkedIn emails notifying you of your contacts’ new jobs, work anniversaries or promotions, these are perfect opportunities to check in and congratulate them and ask how they are doing. Consider endorsing the person on LinkedIn (if appropriate and if you can attest to their skills), especially if they endorsed you.
3. Be of Service
These relationships are reciprocal and as the saying goes, “Give first, then receive.” There are multiple ways you can be helpful to your networking contacts. You can share information that could be useful to them, whether it’s an article, insights into a job opening, or a conference they should attend. A simple email with a “I thought you would be interested in this…” with specific insight from you goes a long way towards staying top of mind and establishing yourself as someone helpful. Set up a Google alert of something that may be relevant to them (i.e., if their hobby is hiking, or if they follow trends in the consumer products industry) so you can easily share articles of interest. You can even set up a Google alert to track your contact, so if they are mentioned in the media or are speaking at a conference, you can send them a quick note to congratulate them on their milestones.
4. Connect Others
Help your contacts extend their own networks. I had one client who knew that her networking contact’s daughter was applying to medical schools. She offered to introduce his daughter to a friend who worked in admissions at one of the target schools. My client’s contact was so grateful, he immediately reciprocated the gesture by putting her in touch with someone in his own closely guarded network. My client continued to extend the relationship by emailing periodically to check in and ask how his daughter was doing.
5. Send an Update
Follow up with something you discussed in your first conversation or meeting and then continue to keep them updated on your progress. Keep them invested in your job search, career development and more importantly, YOU. After you land your new job or get your promotion, thank your contact for their influence. Make that contact feel like they were instrumental in your success. They will undoubtedly feel good about their decision to invest time into your relationship and will be more eager to help you again in the future.
With the holiday season upon us, holiday cards are a natural way to stay in touch and drop a “this is what I’ve been up to” note. By keeping people in the loop, you are letting them know you’d like to keep in touch with them and they will appreciate the gesture. Nurture your network on a regular basis and you will be steps ahead of those who have not “stayed networked” when it comes time for the job search or getting access to information or resources you need.
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