How can you maintain and nurture professional relationships?

1 Be genuine and respectful

The first step to maintaining and nurturing professional relationships is to be authentic and respectful. Don't treat your contacts as mere transactions or opportunities, but as human beings with their own goals, challenges, and interests. Show genuine curiosity and appreciation for their work, achievements, and perspectives. Respect their time, preferences, and boundaries. Avoid being pushy, spammy, or self-centered. Instead, focus on building trust, rapport, and goodwill.

2 Communicate regularly and effectively

The second step is to communicate regularly and effectively with your contacts. Don't let them forget about you or lose interest in what you have to offer. Keep in touch with them through various channels, such as email, phone, social media, or video calls. However, don't overdo it or become annoying. Find the right balance and frequency that suits each relationship. Also, make sure your communication is relevant, clear, and concise. Provide value, information, or assistance that can benefit your contacts. Ask for feedback, input, or advice that can improve your work or relationship. And don't forget to express gratitude, recognition, or praise when appropriate.

3 Meet in person or virtually

The third step is to meet your contacts in person or virtually, whenever possible. Nothing can replace the personal touch and the emotional connection that face-to-face or live interactions can create. Meeting your contacts can help you deepen your relationship, understand their needs and expectations better, and showcase your personality and professionalism. You can meet your contacts in various settings, such as events, conferences, workshops, coffee chats, lunches, or happy hours. You can also use online platforms, such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet, to have virtual meetings or webinars. The key is to make each meeting meaningful, engaging, and enjoyable.

4 Share your network and resources

The fourth step is to share your network and resources with your contacts. This is a great way to add value and demonstrate your generosity and credibility. You can introduce your contacts to other relevant people who can help them achieve their goals, solve their problems, or expand their opportunities. You can also share your resources, such as articles, books, podcasts, tools, or courses, that can provide them with useful insights, knowledge, or skills. By sharing your network and resources, you can create a positive impression and a lasting impact on your contacts.

5 Seek and offer feedback and support

The fifth step is to seek and offer feedback and support to your contacts. This is a crucial way to maintain and nurture your professional relationships, as it shows that you care about their success and growth, and that you value their opinions and expertise. You can seek feedback and support from your contacts on various aspects of your work, such as your products, services, strategies, or challenges. You can also offer feedback and support to your contacts on their work, such as their projects, goals, or achievements. By doing so, you can exchange valuable information, ideas, and advice, and strengthen your mutual trust and respect.

6 Celebrate and appreciate

The sixth and final step is to celebrate and appreciate your contacts. This is a simple but effective way to maintain and nurture your professional relationships, as it shows that you acknowledge and celebrate their milestones and efforts, and that you appreciate their contributions and collaborations. You can celebrate and appreciate your contacts by sending them congratulatory messages, cards, or gifts, or by inviting them to join you for a special occasion or a treat. You can also celebrate and appreciate your contacts by giving them testimonials, referrals, or endorsements, or by featuring them in your content or platforms. By doing so, you can express your gratitude, admiration, and loyalty, and foster a long-term and fruitful relationship.

7 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?