Networking 101: Tips for Staying Connected Beyond the First Meeting
This post is part of our Networking 101 series for college students, new grads, someone looking to re-enter the workforce, or anyone looking for ways to expand their professional networks.
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Building relationships through networking is important for career growth and success. But what happens after you’ve conducted your initial meeting? How do you stay connected with your network and build those relationships over time?
Like any meaningful relationship in your life, it takes time and dedication to foster strong professional networking relationships. Here are 5 tips for successfully fostering strong professional networks. (Real life screenshots attached!)
Follow through
First and foremost, it's also important to follow through on any promises or commitments you made during your initial conversation. If you offered to introduce them to someone, refer them to a company, or provide feedback on their resume or portfolio, be sure to follow up and do so in a timely manner. This demonstrates that you are reliable and trustworthy, which will strengthen your relationships in the long run.
Look for opportunities to be a valuable resource
Networking is not just about what others can do for you, but also about how you can support them. Sometimes I come across an article that reminds me of a conversation I had with someone in my network, or I meet someone new that I know would benefit from meeting someone else in my network and will do my best to facilitate an introduction or send an email with the resources I found. By being a valuable resource for others, you strengthen the bond and create a reciprocal relationship.
Proactively stay in touch
It's a best practice to stay proactive about maintaining your connections. Avoid the awkward, out of the blue “Hi! It’s been a while but…. [asks favor]” message, by periodically checking in with people you meet. You can do this by liking and commenting on their social media posts, sending a quick email or message, or even scheduling a 30-minute Zoom call once a year to catch up. Further, keep an eye out for conferences, meet ups, and professional events in your industry. These gatherings provide excellent opportunities to reconnect with your network in person. Make an effort to attend these events and set up meetings with your contacts. Meeting face-to-face can really help solidify relationships and foster a deeper level of connection.
Share updates about your progress
Another great way to proactively stay connected is by sharing updates on your own work or projects. This not only shows your network that you are continuing to grow and progress in your career, but it also gives them an opportunity to offer support and guidance when needed.
Ask for advice and guidance
Don't hesitate to reach out to your network for advice, recommendations, referrals, or guidance. People you meet and connect with will generally enjoy being able to share their expertise or personal networks with you. By seeking their input, you show that you value their opinion and trust their judgment. This helps deepen the connection and reinforces the mutual support aspect of the relationship. Always be sure to follow through and let them know that their advice or guidance was valuable!
Remember, building and maintaining meaningful networking relationships is a two-way street. By investing time and effort into your connections, you can create a powerful network of supportive and knowledgeable professionals who can help you achieve your goals and advance your career.
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