How do you keep your contacts close?

1 Update your profile

One of the easiest ways to keep your contacts close is to update your profile regularly on the platforms where you connect with them, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. Updating your profile shows that you are active, relevant, and open to new connections. It also helps you showcase your achievements, skills, and interests. You can update your profile by adding new projects, certifications, publications, or awards. You can also share relevant content, such as articles, podcasts, or videos, that demonstrate your expertise or insights. Updating your profile will make you more visible and attractive to your contacts, and may spark some conversations or feedback.

2 Reach out with value

Another way to keep your contacts close is to reach out to them with value. This means that you should not contact them just for the sake of contacting them, but rather offer them something that is useful, relevant, or interesting to them. For example, you can share a resource, a referral, a compliment, a question, or a feedback that relates to their goals, challenges, or interests. You can also congratulate them on their achievements, milestones, or events. Reaching out with value shows that you care about your contacts, that you are paying attention to their needs, and that you are willing to help them. It also helps you build trust and rapport with them, and encourages them to reciprocate.

3 Follow up consistently

A third way to keep your contacts close is to follow up consistently. This means that you should not let too much time pass between your interactions, or risk losing touch or relevance. You should also not follow up too frequently, or risk annoying or overwhelming them. The ideal frequency of follow up depends on the nature and strength of your relationship, as well as the context and purpose of your communication. A good rule of thumb is to follow up every 3 to 6 months for casual contacts, every 1 to 3 months for warm contacts, and every 2 to 4 weeks for hot contacts. You can also use reminders, calendars, or tools like CRM software to keep track of your follow ups and schedule them accordingly.

5 Ask for feedback

A fifth way to keep your contacts close is to ask for feedback. This means that you should not assume that you are doing everything right, but rather seek their opinions, suggestions, or criticisms on your work, performance, or goals. Asking for feedback shows that you value your contacts, that you are open to learning and improving, and that you respect their expertise or experience. It also helps you gain new perspectives, insights, or ideas that can help you grow and succeed. You can ask for feedback by being specific, clear, and respectful. You can also thank them for their feedback, acknowledge their points, and act on them if appropriate.

6 Give back

A sixth and final way to keep your contacts close is to give back. This means that you should not only take from your contacts, but also give to them. Giving back shows that you are grateful, generous, and supportive of your contacts. It also helps you strengthen your relationships, build your reputation, and create a positive cycle of reciprocity. You can give back by offering your help, advice, or resources to your contacts when they need it. You can also endorse, recommend, or introduce them to other people or opportunities that can benefit them. You can also recognize, appreciate, or celebrate their achievements, contributions, or efforts.

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?