How do you maintain your network without being overbearing?
In business networking, striking the right balance between staying connected and not being intrusive is crucial. You want to keep yourself on the radar of your connections without crossing the line into annoyance. This delicate dance requires tact, respect for boundaries, and a genuine interest in the well-being of others. Remember, the goal is to cultivate long-term relationships, not just a collection of contacts. By engaging with your network thoughtfully, you can ensure that your connections are meaningful and mutually beneficial.
-
Mbuotidem JosephComputer Engineer || Network/Station Engineer || Leadership || I can work with start-up brands, companies, firms…
-
Lassie Zia🌏🌍🌎 Ignite your Business & PERSONAL BRAND🔥Supercharge your Influence 👑 Attract High Value Connections &…
-
Diana U.Gerente Línea de Datos | Consultora BI | BigData | Data Science | Inteligencia Artificial
Effective networking isn't about constant contact; it's about meaningful interactions that add value. Consider reaching out when you have something worthwhile to share, like an article or event that aligns with their interests or needs. This approach shows that you're thinking about them without expecting anything in return. It's essential to personalize your communication, demonstrating that you understand their goals and challenges. This strategy not only maintains the connection but also strengthens it by reinforcing the mutual benefits of your professional relationship.
-
Strategic and valuable input when there is a discussion will also have its way of singling one out. People will always want to identify with value. Once you are that valuable channel, friends will always bank on you for more to learn and to gain. Effective networking always comes with its goals, aim and objective, once you have been able to identify them then relating won't be an issue in as much there is no selfness in it.
-
Las redes que generan valor te generarán su apoyo en las diferencias circunstancias y etapas de la vida laboral, no solo generando los apoyos en enfoques de empleo, sino también dando ese conocimiento que se requiere en diferentes campos, y que se va alimentando gracias a los conocimientos adquiridos por la red en diferentes ámbitos, proyectos y actividades que se realizan en la vida laboral y personal de cada integrante de la red de valor
-
Some of my key-peers in the industry I do not talk to for months sometimes. But when I have something to discuss with them or when they have an issue to solve and address it to me, I am there and have always some time and some advice. And it is the same from their side. Very rarely that I am being neglected or put on idle more than a short while. There is a sense of mutual understanding and respect for each other, and certainly common interests that makes it easy to talk to each other, also besides the direct professional reason why we wanted to discuss with each other. The essence is, we have time for each other and share a great respect for ech other.
-
Im agree with all of that but i guess if you share more post you would be seen more and that means more connections but the key is posting something valuable.
-
IMO it involves one to not just stay connected but also be considerate of others’ time and boundaries. Meaningful and engaged conversation far exceeds constant or frequent touchups. Our message should be relevant when reaching out to someone which shows a person values time of the other person Share useful information, some insights etc. To make the connection worthwhile
Listening is a powerful tool in maintaining your network. Take the time to hear what your connections are saying, both in person and on social media. Engage with their content by commenting or sharing, and offer help if they express a need where you have expertise. By being an active listener, you show that you value their thoughts and are not just waiting for your turn to speak. This kind of attentive interaction fosters a relationship built on respect and genuine interest, rather than one that feels transactional.
-
Absolutely, being a active and good listener only shows your interest in the conversation but also speaks volume about how much do you value other persons’ perspective, so this is a key skill of an excellent communicator
-
Elevating Your Listening Skills Listening serves as a formidable asset in nurturing your network. Dedicate yourself to truly understanding the messages conveyed by your connections, whether in face-to-face conversations or within the digital realm. Demonstrate your engagement by actively participating in their online presence, whether through thoughtful comments or proactive sharing. Extend a helping hand whenever your expertise aligns with their expressed needs. By embodying the role of an attentive listener, you convey the utmost respect for their perspectives, transcending superficial interactions and fostering genuine, enduring connections.
-
Just as people are willing to listen to you, listen to the experiences and values that others have to say. Whether it's in your niche or not, something might be interesting or even a "key turning point". Your attention is the gold of the century. This is the main thing the market is looking for and also what people are always looking for, whether it's family, friends or professionally. As well as the ability to listen, it's also about learning. Absorbing the information that is being made available to you. From there, absorb it and keep it or redirect it out into the world to the point where it teaches you something new (just as it did for you).
Timing can make a significant difference in how your outreach is perceived. Connect with your network during regular business hours and avoid overloading them with messages. If you're following up after an event or meeting, a timely message within a few days strikes the perfect balance between attentiveness and respect for their time. Avoid reaching out too frequently, as this can be overwhelming and may lead to your contacts feeling pressured or annoyed.
-
One must be wary of other’s time while making an effort to connect by being precise in their message delivery which has proven to be more successful for me in the past interactions while managing relations with my network
-
Optimal Timing for Effective Communication Effective communication hinges on impeccable timing. Connect during peak business hours to maximize visibility and impact. Strive for a harmonious balance, avoiding inundating your contacts with excessive messages. Timely follow-ups, executed within a strategic window post-interaction, demonstrate attentiveness and sustain momentum. Beware of crossing the line into overcommunication territory, as this may inadvertently breed irritation or disengagement in your network.
-
Time is valuable. Understanding how time works for both you and your network is the basis for a good relationship in the exchange of information. Just like you, your audience also has families, hobbies, leisure time, time to rest, time to learn... and they plan their time very well. If you make yourself available, you will be making time in their schedule just as you will be making time for them. However, in cases of greater intimacy, such as with a best friend or someone you've known for a long time, there are exceptions where you can interact without too much worry of discomfort because you know their schedule. Worry about other people's time as well as your own.
-
What I have always found helpful is make yourself available at all times. Of course, within reason, trying to meet a specific SLA can be frustrating when you're inundated with menial requests. Always make them feel that they are your highest priority and you will address their issue as soon as it is possible. I always find that after a productive meeting depending on the situation, I create a lessons learned document and share it a day later and Invite the attendees two add a line or two.
Personalization goes a long way in maintaining a network without being overbearing. Remember details from past conversations and inquire about updates on projects or life events they've shared with you. This shows that you see them as more than just a business contact but as a person whose life and work you take an interest in. A personalized birthday wish or congratulations on a professional achievement can make your connection feel valued and remembered.
-
One need not talk or touchbase just to ensure “I am here” You should be aware in a sense and wishing them on their events like birthday, work anniversary etc. shows the real essence of your presence and connection is valued
-
A personal touch is crucial. By hearing about your experience, a connection can better comprehend how they can advance in their life or profession. Their professional route becomes more apparent to them. Everyone enjoys being appreciated. Congratulating someone, even on a small accomplishment, can inspire and have a beneficial effect.
-
Be genuine with the people you interact with and the rest will work itself out. A simple congratulations message can keep a heartbeat going to a person that you are there to support them.
-
Elevating Connections Through Personalization Personalization stands as a cornerstone in nurturing connections without overwhelming them. Recollect key details from prior discussions and express genuine curiosity about the progress of projects or personal milestones they've disclosed. This practice highlights your regard for them beyond a mere business acquaintance, acknowledging their multifaceted identity. Extend personalized gestures like birthday greetings or celebratory messages for professional triumphs to impart a sense of significance and remembrance to your connection.
-
Here's a question: would you like to receive a message being called "customer" or with your name? I think most people will answer that they would like to be called by their name, just like me. This gains attention, brings the customer closer and creates a closer relationship. The most valuable product today is attention and most companies take care to make this interaction more personalized. Whether it's by email, app, website... everything is geared towards focusing solely on the person and not on the whole (although in the background everyone will be receiving the same communication). Just as the market does this, you also have this power and can work in favor of your networking by personalizing the delivery to your network.
Networking is a two-way street, so focus on what you can offer rather than what you can get. Share opportunities, make introductions, and be generous with your knowledge and resources. When you help others, they're more likely to think of you positively and extend help in return when the time comes. Giving back to your network establishes you as a supportive and valuable member of the community, rather than someone who only reaches out when in need.
-
Devolver conocimiento, ideas, información genera reciprocidad, y un adecuado compartir de recursos buscando crear esa comunidad que finalmente se convierte en la red de valor que posteriormente alimenta generando nuevo conocimiento, es importante compartir y entregar valor a través de el proceso de devolver para generar los lazos que permiten crecer en diferentes ámbitos
-
Offering something extra is a great way of gaining attention, whether from person to person, person to company or company to company. Whether it's, for example, offering a discount for recurring purchases, giving gifts on your birthday because you subscribed to the newsletter, rewarding the 1,000th customer of a particular establishment. These are ways of giving back positively to the public and standing out from the rest. The "something extra", which can be a little or a lot, depending on your creativity, time, budget and so on, will win over those who are interacting.
-
I work in a large fulfillment center with over 2000 associates. When I am on the floor I take time to greet everyone and ask them how they are. I also learned some Spanish to ask the Spanish speaking associates how their day is. hola como estas como esta tu dia. I answer every question with a smile and ask if there is anything I can do for them.
Consistency is key in maintaining your network without being overbearing. Establish a routine for checking in with your contacts, such as a brief message every few months or an annual catch-up meeting. This regularity ensures that you stay in touch without bombarding them with constant communication. By being consistent, you create a sense of reliability that can be comforting to your connections, knowing that you're there without being omnipresent.
-
We like to use our monthly Networking Events to touch base with our Community. That way, we are staying on top of their minds without selling or being over bearing. However, if they are interested in more than one event, we get to touch base more often. And the more they love our free events is the more likely they will become a member.
-
My dad gave me the best advice I think I've ever had and I share it as often as I can. Do what you love. When you are doing what you love, it's never like work, money Will come later.
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
Career DevelopmentHere's how you can build confidence in networking and building professional relationships.
-
MentoringHere's how you can conquer shyness and fear of networking to build professional relationships.
-
Business NetworkingYou have a new business networking contact. How can you make sure they remember you?
-
Relationship BuildingHere's how you can assertively network and build relationships effectively.