Give 15-30 minutes of your time a week to drop by and say ‘Hi. How are you doing?’ to 10 of contacts you have not talked to in the last 6 months. Drop the simple gesture through WhatsApp, Instagram or other social media platforms. SMS also works if there is anybody still on it. Do not be surprised one or two replies will grow into meaningful conversation that might lead to some opportunities.
Whenever you drop a message or reply a message, do it with sincerity and enthusiasm. Do it like you really want to know what is going on with their life or work. Trust me, genuine sincerity and enthusiasm will show and will leave a positive print on people’s mind and heart. I think this is not a hard thing to do considering there are only 10 people to reconnect a week. You can choose who those lucky ten are.
When we send ‘Hi. How are you doing?’, be prepared to receive two kinds of replies: a good one and a bad one. Example of a bad one is when our contact tells you he/she is in trouble or facing some difficulties at work or back at home. When this happens, please be empathetic. Ask them is there anything you can do to help. There is also a situation where your contact is fine but you know you can add value by offering assistance he/she does not need. For example: your contact wants to open a new business and you know someone that can help the process. When this situation occurs, do not hesitate to offer assistance. People will remember and actions are louder than words.
When you are in an event or friend’s party, do the initiative to ask for contact number or name card from new people you meet and talk. Later at home, do drop them text message saying it is nice to meet and know them. It might not benefit you right away but you will never know what opportunity will come your way just by having a wide network and ongoing good relationship with other people.
