How can you use messaging apps to effectively network with former colleagues or clients?

3 Add value and insight

The third step is to add value and insight to your messages. You want to use messaging apps not only to catch up, but also to demonstrate your expertise, credibility, and value proposition. You can do this by sharing your insights, opinions, or feedback on topics related to your industry, field, or niche. You can also do this by offering your help, referrals, or recommendations to your network, based on their needs, goals, or interests. For example, you can send them a link to a blog post, a podcast, or a webinar that you found helpful, or you can introduce them to someone who can benefit them.

4 Engage and follow up

The fourth step is to engage and follow up with your messages. You want to use messaging apps to build rapport, trust, and loyalty with your network, not to leave them hanging or ghost them. You can do this by responding promptly, politely, and positively to their messages, and by asking open-ended questions that encourage conversation and feedback. You can also do this by following up on your messages, and by checking in regularly to see how they are doing, what they are working on, or what they need. For example, you can send them a thank-you note, a testimonial, or a review after working with them, or you can invite them to join an online event, a group, or a community that you are part of.

5 Be authentic and personal

The fifth step is to be authentic and personal with your messages. You want to use messaging apps to show your personality, humor, and emotion, not to sound robotic, scripted, or bland. You can do this by using emojis, gifs, or stickers to express your feelings, tone, or mood, and by using informal language, slang, or abbreviations that suit your network's culture, style, or preference. You can also do this by sharing personal stories, experiences, or anecdotes that relate to your network's situation, problem, or aspiration, and by showing empathy, compassion, or support. For example, you can send them a birthday wish, a joke, or a meme that makes them laugh, or you can share a challenge, a success, or a lesson that you learned.

6 Be strategic and proactive

The sixth step is to be strategic and proactive with your messages. You want to use messaging apps to create opportunities, leads, or referrals, not to waste time, energy, or resources. You can do this by setting clear goals, objectives, and expectations for your networking, and by tracking, measuring, and evaluating your results. You can also do this by asking for permission, feedback, or action from your network, and by providing value, incentive, or urgency. For example, you can ask them if they are interested in your product, service, or offer, and if they are, you can send them a proposal, a demo, or a case study, or you can ask them to schedule a call, a meeting, or a presentation with you.

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?