How do you keep your mentors and network updated?

1 Identify your goals and expectations

Before you reach out to your mentors and network, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what you expect from them. Do you want to update them on your achievements and challenges, seek their advice or guidance, or ask for their referrals or recommendations? Depending on your goals and expectations, you will need to tailor your message and tone accordingly. For example, if you want to update them on your progress, you can use a positive and confident tone, and highlight your key accomplishments and learnings. If you want to seek their advice or guidance, you can use a humble and curious tone, and ask specific and relevant questions. If you want to ask for their referrals or recommendations, you can use a polite and respectful tone, and explain why you need their help and how they can benefit from it.

2 Choose the right medium and frequency

Another important factor to consider is how and how often you communicate with your mentors and network. Depending on your relationship and the nature of your message, you can choose the most appropriate medium and frequency for your communication. For example, if you have a close and informal relationship with your mentor or network, you can use a more casual and personal medium, such as a phone call, a text message, or a social media message. If you have a more distant and formal relationship, you can use a more professional and respectful medium, such as an email, a LinkedIn message, or a handwritten note. Similarly, if you have a regular and ongoing communication with your mentor or network, you can update them more frequently, such as once a month, once a quarter, or once a year. If you have a sporadic and occasional communication, you can update them less frequently, such as when you have a major update, a specific request, or a special occasion.

3 Provide value and appreciation

To effectively communicate with your mentors and network, it's important to provide value and appreciation in every interaction. Show your progress as well as your interest and gratitude for their support. You can do this by sharing useful and relevant information, such as articles, podcasts, books, or events that they may find beneficial. Offer your help or assistance, such as introducing them to someone in your network, giving them feedback or suggestions, or endorsing their skills or achievements. Furthermore, be sure to express your appreciation and recognition, such as thanking them for their time or advice, acknowledging their impact or influence, and congratulating them on their success or milestones.