How can branding professionals maintain their network after changing jobs?

1 Update your online presence

One of the first things you should do after changing jobs is to update your online presence. This includes your LinkedIn profile, your portfolio website, your social media accounts, and any other platforms where you showcase your work and expertise. Make sure you highlight your new position, your achievements, and your skills. This will help you attract new opportunities, showcase your value, and signal your availability to your network.

2 Reach out to your former contacts

Don't let your former contacts fade away after changing jobs. Make an effort to reach out to them regularly, and show genuine interest in their work and lives. You can send them a friendly email, a message on LinkedIn, or a comment on their posts. You can also share relevant content, offer feedback, or ask for advice. The key is to be helpful, respectful, and authentic. You never know when you might need their support, referrals, or collaboration in the future.

3 Join new groups and communities

Another way to maintain and expand your network after changing jobs is to join new groups and communities related to your field, industry, or interests. You can find them online or offline, depending on your preferences and availability. For example, you can join online forums, blogs, podcasts, webinars, or newsletters that cover topics related to branding. You can also attend offline events, workshops, conferences, or meetups where you can meet and interact with other branding professionals. By joining these groups and communities, you can learn new things, share your insights, and build relationships with potential allies, mentors, or clients.

4 Offer value and support

One of the best ways to maintain and expand your network after changing jobs is to offer value and support to others. This means that you should not only seek help or information from your network, but also provide it when you can. You can offer value and support by sharing your knowledge, skills, or resources with others. You can also offer praise, recognition, or appreciation for their work or achievements. You can also offer referrals, introductions, or recommendations when appropriate. By offering value and support, you can show your generosity, credibility, and professionalism, and strengthen your network.

5 Be consistent and follow up

Finally, to maintain and expand your network after changing jobs, you need to be consistent and follow up. This means that you should not disappear or lose touch with your contacts after one interaction. You should keep the conversation going, and check in with them periodically. You should also follow up on any promises, requests, or opportunities that arise from your interactions. You should also thank them for their help, feedback, or collaboration, and let them know how it benefited you. By being consistent and follow up, you can build trust, rapport, and loyalty with your network.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?