careeEver notice how moving forward in your career comes down to networking? In this high-tech world where almost everything is assisted by “Apps” and internet connections are faster than saying …” internet connections”…, lots and lots of job opportunities are often posted via online applications (Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram, etc.). That makes all those business cards you’ve collected via these online connections extremely important.
The tricky part, however, is keeping in touch with your network of former colleagues and clients in a genuine way, so you don’t come off as self-serving or stalker-like.
Part of it means maintaining some level of regular contact, so you’re never in a career position where it’s been years since you’ve connected, and suddenly, in the middle of a job hunt, you have to send a sheepish “Remember me?” email.
The rest is all about reaching out in an appropriate way depending on your relationship with your contact, so you strengthen your connections and can tap them for help when you need it. Let these tips show you how to walk the line between authentic and opportunistic.
When you spend time on online/social media (for example LinkedIn), they allow you to get your name in front of old and new connections in an unobtrusive way.
As you scroll through your feed, keep an eye out for profile updates or posts from your connections that announce a promotion, new company direction, or a career milestone. Craft a very short post congratulating them on their achievement, such as, “so excited for you” or “way to go!” At a loss for good words? Just hit the “like” button.
Cheering on your contacts on social media lets them know you stand behind them. Yet you’re not asking them for anything in return and there’s no expectation of a reply. They see your name, and that puts you career on their radar. You’ll also be noticed by their own contacts, and that recognition can pay off down the road.
For closer networks/contacts, like a former mentor or key client(s) you’ve worked with many times, take the initiative by sending them a regular email or message, say, every 2 months or once per quarterly.
It’s as simple as “How’s it going?” or “I saw this article and thought of you” message with a link to an industry publication. The goal is to check-in and get your name on their screen in a friendly, casual way.
If one of your networks/contacts taught you a valuable career lesson or helped you resolve a tricky issue, show your appreciation by sending them a note. Back in those days, handwritten always comes off as more personal and meaningful. But in today’s digitally connected world, an email or social media post can be appropriate as well.
Don’t worry if they did their good deed a while ago; there’s no expiration date when it comes to praise. They do appreciate follow-ups and kudos whenever they come, even if it’s months after the fact. The pure gratuity with good intentions that counts. You could write something like, “Thanks so much to (@)JohnSmith for the great advice on sales techniques a few weeks ago”. It’s a way to acknowledge and appreciates them of their help.
Offering to do a business-related favor for the potential networks—for example, arrange an email introduction with industry leader(s) you know for business referrals. When you take the initiatives and offer to help, it will convey generosity and therefore strengthening your networking relationships. Offering an assist will give you a rep as someone who is positive and wants others to thrive.
Sometimes the simplest thing is often forgotten. Make sure you rigorously update your close contact list (or from Name Cards). These lists are practically hidden gold nuggets of opportunities.
People get promoted, move away to a different company and switch specialties all the time. Keep up with all the shifts by creating a simple spreadsheet that lists all your close contacts by name and includes what they do (last positions), how you’ve met and update it every time something changes. There are Apps that you can use to compose them to a more comprehensive/appealing than just a spreadsheet (ie. CamCard, Wantedly People, ScanBizCard, etc.)
I hope these tips will be beneficial for you and stay safe, stay productive.
