In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected with your professional network is more important than ever. Whether you’re actively job hunting or happily settled in a role you love, maintaining and nurturing your network can be a game-changer.
Keeping Your Network Alive: A Crucial Career Tip
We tend to go to our network when we’re job hunting and let it grow cold once settled into a…
One of the key pieces of advice I often give, even to those who are content in their current jobs, is to keep their network “alive and kicking.” This means staying active on platforms like LinkedIn and continuing to build and maintain relationships with your connections.
I recently worked with a client who hadn’t logged into LinkedIn for two or three years. Despite having a fantastic network, they had lost touch with many of their connections. While it’s certainly possible to rebuild those relationships, it’s much easier if you’ve been consistently staying in touch all along.
Here are some practical tips to help you keep your network thriving, even when you’re not looking for a new job:
- Stay Active on LinkedIn: Post interesting articles, share insights, and engage with your connections’ posts. This keeps you on their radar and shows that you’re invested in your professional growth.
- Schedule Regular Check-Ins: It can be easy to let months slip by without reaching out to your network. To avoid this, set a recurring reminder on your calendar. For example, on the 15th of each month, commit to reaching out to two or three people. A simple message, a quick Zoom call, or sharing an article can make all the difference.
- Be Genuine in Your Interactions: When you do reach out, make sure it’s not just about what you need. Show interest in what your connections are up to and offer value where you can. This will help ensure that your relationships remain mutually beneficial.
- Make It a Habit: Like any other professional skill, networking takes practice. The more you make it a regular part of your routine, the easier it will become.
By staying connected with your network, you’ll be in a much stronger position if you ever need to ask for a testimonial, reference, or even job leads. Plus, it makes the process feel much more natural, rather than coming out of the blue.
So take care, keep nurturing those connections, and get cracking on your networking!
Until next time, Ari Schaefer
Your first step is to reach out for a complimentary session.
We’ll talk about where you are with your career, where you want to go, and I’ll provide some thoughts and resources.
You’ll leave with some fresh ideas, insights, and maybe even an “aha” or two.
