How to keep your contacts and make them work Networking is a matter of maintaining relationships with people who can assist you in your future professional objectives. These people could be bosses, coworkers, subordinates or even competitors. The following is a list of tips to assist in launching and maintaining a viable professional network.
Make a conscious decision about who you want in your network. A large list of contacts can be a burden to maintain. Choose quality over quantity.
Don't rely solely on circumstance to keep you in touch with your contacts. Many times you will lose touch with contacts if you do not follow-up with them by actively maintaining your relationship. Drop them an e-mail or give them a call to keep them in the loop.
Remember that every contact you make can be important. It may be difficult to determine how someone you meet today will be able to help you in the future - so don't try. A quality contact is a quality contact regardless of what he or she can do for you now. Add this person to your network and see what the future holds.
Use your network to help people other than yourself. As you develop your network, you will determine circumstances where you can help someone else by engaging one of your contacts. Do not hesitate to do so. Such actions will speak well for you and strengthen your own network.
Remember, the relationships you establish with your contacts do not have to be friendships. Networking is not a social club or popularity contest. Most of the networking relationships you establish should be based on a mutual interest between yourself and the contact. However, if a friendship blossoms, you've gained more than you expected.
Don't delay, start today. If you have not taken the time to create your network or organize your contacts, do so now. Remember that every moment you lose, a potential new contact could be slipping through your fingers.
Use tools to maintain your network. Successful networkers do not rely solely on their charisma and ability to remember names. With the use of e-mail and a simple database, no one should ever become disconnected from your network.
Be upfront and honest when engaging a member of your network. When asking one of your contacts for assistance, be sincere and straightforward. Don't feel the need to disguise your objectives.
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