How can you maintain your professional network without damaging relationships?
Maintaining your professional network is crucial for your career success, but it can also be challenging. How do you keep in touch with your contacts without being annoying, spammy, or needy? How do you add value to your relationships without expecting anything in return? How do you balance your time and energy between different types of connections? In this article, we will share some tips on how to maintain your professional network without damaging relationships.
You don't have to stay in contact with everyone you meet at a networking event, a conference, or a project. It's better to focus on the people who are relevant to your goals, interests, and values. You can use tools like LinkedIn, CRM software, or a spreadsheet to categorize your contacts based on their industry, role, location, and level of engagement. This will help you prioritize your communication and tailor your messages accordingly.
The key to maintaining your professional network is to be consistent and authentic. You want to build trust and rapport with your contacts, not just ask for favors or referrals. You can do this by reaching out regularly, but not too frequently, and by sharing useful information, insights, or feedback. You can also show genuine interest in their work, achievements, and challenges. Avoid sending generic or automated messages that sound impersonal or salesy.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make in your professional network is to be disrespectful or ungrateful. You should always respect your contacts' time, privacy, and preferences. Don't bombard them with emails, calls, or requests that are irrelevant, inappropriate, or urgent. Don't expect them to respond immediately or to do something for you without offering anything in return. Don't forget to say thank you and acknowledge their contributions. A simple gesture of gratitude can go a long way.
Another way to maintain your professional network without damaging relationships is to be helpful and generous. You can offer your support, advice, or resources to your contacts when they need it. You can also introduce them to other people who can benefit them or vice versa. You can also endorse their skills, recommend their services, or celebrate their successes. By being helpful and generous, you can create a positive impression and a reciprocal relationship.
Finally, you can maintain your professional network without damaging relationships by being open and curious. You can learn from your contacts and expand your horizons by exploring new topics, trends, or opportunities. You can also ask for their opinions, feedback, or suggestions on your own projects or challenges. You can also invite them to join online or offline events, groups, or communities that are relevant to their interests or goals. By being open and curious, you can deepen your connections and discover new possibilities.
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Body language also plays a role, non-verbal communication is key to building a successful networks. Having a networking plan before attending an event can also be helpful. Lastly, network everywhere, be friendly with a pleasant sense of humour, and try to establish a common ground (interests beyond work life) with the person you network with.
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