Have you been to a social event or corporate event where there are so many professionals but you just sat down? Have ever met someone in their line of work received a business card and just kept it? Have you ever been given a phone number and never bothered to call back?
If your answer is yes to any of these questions then you are not networking. Here are strategies that will help you stay in touch and build professional relationships over time.
1. Be helpful: Most people send nagging emails to successful people asking for assistance. To make your email stand out, offer relevant and mutually beneficial introductions. Share information such as events, articles or research that may be helpful. People appreciate being offered something of value. People will feel more inclined to be helpful to you if you help them.
2. Send regular updates: Socially we want to be around people who are fun while in business we want to be around role models. Send regular updates about what you are learning and accomplishing and ask your contacts to do the same.People appreciate you thinking of them and being kept in the loop on what you are accomplishing.
3. Stay top of mind: Building rapport and trust takes time and consistent contact. You don’t want people to forget you so try to invite them to events you take part in or organize.
If someone is busy communicate with people on the social networks that they engage on publicly. Comment on their blogs and even use Followup.cc to set email reminders to re-connect.
4. Be visible: Maintain a strong online presence through LinkedIn, Twitter, or other relevant profiles to your industry. Publish a blog to publicly promote your expertise and provide updates on your skills and accomplishments to your network. Make it easy for people to see you and know what you’re doing.
The above strategies will help you stay in touch with people and to avoid being forgotten. In the end you will build a strong professional network.
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