What's the best way to manage your professional network as a corporate communicator?

3 Communicate regularly

One of the key aspects of managing your network is staying in touch with your contacts. You don't want to be the person who only reaches out when you need something. You want to build trust, rapport, and goodwill with your network by communicating regularly and genuinely. This means sending personalized and relevant messages, sharing useful information, asking for feedback, offering support, and expressing appreciation. You can also use various channels like email, phone, social media, or video calls to communicate with your network, depending on their preferences and availability.

4 Add value

Another way to manage your network effectively is to add value to your contacts. This means providing something that they need, want, or appreciate, such as insights, resources, introductions, recommendations, or opportunities. Adding value can help you establish your credibility, demonstrate your expertise, and strengthen your relationships. It can also help you stand out from the crowd and create a positive impression. However, you need to be careful not to spam, sell, or overdo it. You want to add value in a subtle, respectful, and authentic way.

5 Grow your network

Finally, you need to keep growing your network as a corporate communicator. You never know when you might need new connections, perspectives, or opportunities. You can grow your network by attending events, joining groups, participating in forums, or asking for referrals. You can also use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook to find and connect with potential contacts. However, you need to be strategic and selective about who you add to your network. You want to focus on quality over quantity and avoid adding random or irrelevant contacts.