What are the most effective ways to maintain a network after a promotion?

1 Communicate your transition

One of the first steps to maintain a network after a promotion is to communicate your transition clearly and respectfully to your contacts. This means informing them of your new role, responsibilities, and goals, as well as expressing your gratitude, appreciation, and recognition for their support and collaboration. You can use various channels, such as email, phone, social media, or personal meetings, to reach out to your network and update them on your career move. Be careful not to brag or boast about your promotion, but rather focus on how you can continue to add value and benefit from your network.

2 Stay in touch regularly

Another key step to maintain a network after a promotion is to stay in touch regularly with your contacts, especially those who are important for your career development and success. This means reaching out to them periodically, not only when you need something, but also when you have something to offer, such as information, advice, feedback, referrals, or opportunities. You can use various methods, such as newsletters, blogs, podcasts, webinars, or events, to share your insights, achievements, challenges, and learnings with your network. Be careful not to spam or overwhelm your contacts, but rather tailor your communication to their interests, needs, and preferences.

3 Provide value and support

A third crucial step to maintain a network after a promotion is to provide value and support to your contacts, especially those who are facing difficulties, changes, or opportunities in their careers. This means offering your help, guidance, resources, or connections to your network, as well as celebrating their successes, acknowledging their contributions, and endorsing their skills. You can use various ways, such as testimonials, recommendations, introductions, or invitations, to show your appreciation, respect, and trust for your network. Be careful not to expect or demand anything in return, but rather build genuine and reciprocal relationships based on mutual benefit and goodwill.

4 Expand your network strategically

A fourth essential step to maintain a network after a promotion is to expand your network strategically with new contacts, especially those who are relevant for your new role, industry, or field. This means identifying and reaching out to potential allies, partners, mentors, or clients who can help you achieve your goals, learn new skills, or access new markets. You can use various platforms, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Meetup, or Clubhouse, to find and connect with your target audience, as well as joining or creating groups, communities, or forums related to your niche, expertise, or passion. Be careful not to neglect or ignore your existing network, but rather integrate and leverage your old and new contacts to create synergies and opportunities.

5 Seek feedback and improvement

A fifth vital step to maintain a network after a promotion is to seek feedback and improvement from your contacts, especially those who have more experience, knowledge, or authority than you. This means asking for and listening to their opinions, suggestions, criticisms, or compliments about your performance, behavior, or impact. You can use various tools, such as surveys, polls, ratings, or reviews, to collect and analyze feedback from your network, as well as following up and implementing changes, actions, or solutions based on their input. Be careful not to take feedback personally or defensively, but rather use it as a source of learning and growth.

6 Nurture your network culture

A sixth and final step to maintain a network after a promotion is to nurture your network culture with your contacts, especially those who share your values, vision, or mission. This means creating and maintaining a positive, respectful, and supportive environment where your network can interact, collaborate, and thrive. You can use various practices, such as storytelling, recognition, gamification, or incentives, to engage and motivate your network, as well as setting and enforcing norms, rules, or boundaries to ensure quality and diversity. Be careful not to impose or dominate your network culture, but rather co-create and adapt it to your network's needs, expectations, and goals.

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?