Keeping your professional contacts for life is not only beneficial for your career, but also for your personal growth and satisfaction. It takes more than just exchanging business cards or adding people on LinkedIn to maintain meaningful and lasting relationships with your network. Here are some tips on how to nurture your professional contacts and turn them into lifelong allies.
The first step to keeping your professional contacts for life is to be genuine and helpful. Don't approach people with a hidden agenda or a selfish motive. Instead, show genuine interest in their work, challenges, and goals. Offer your help, advice, or support whenever you can, without expecting anything in return. By being genuine and helpful, you will build trust and rapport with your contacts, and they will appreciate your value and generosity.
Be genuine and helpful, guide them if they need any help,without expecting any returns.Appreciate ,Congratulate and thank them for their achievements. Try to talk to them that gives you more attachment and trust. AI powered article gives generic view and hence it has to be reviewed again.
Approaching working with your colleagues like you want to help and contribute. When you actively care and bring people up, it creates this “professional friendship” that is a fantastic relationship. It helps you work together well, troubleshoot like a team when there are problems and this experience remains with you even if you leave that company/institution. This is a very involved way of creating a strong network that stays with you for a long time.
The second step to keeping your professional contacts for life is to stay in touch regularly. Don't let your contacts fade away after a one-time interaction or a project completion. Make an effort to reach out to them periodically, whether it's through email, phone, social media, or face-to-face meetings. Share relevant news, updates, insights, or opportunities with them. Congratulate them on their achievements, celebrate their milestones, or express your sympathy for their losses. By staying in touch regularly, you will show your contacts that you care about them and their success, and that you are not just a fair-weather friend.
LinkedIn is a great place to stay in touch, celebrate each other’s personal and professional milestones. This also introduces you to a newer network that will help you in the long run.
The third step to keeping your professional contacts for life is to provide value and feedback. Don't just be a passive or superficial listener. Be an active and constructive contributor to your contacts' professional development and growth. Provide value by sharing your expertise, resources, connections, or recommendations with them. Provide feedback by giving honest, respectful, and specific praise or criticism to help them improve their performance, skills, or products. By providing value and feedback, you will demonstrate your competence and credibility to your contacts, and they will respect your opinion and seek your input.
The fourth step to keeping your professional contacts for life is to ask for help and advice. Don't be afraid or ashamed to admit that you don't know everything or that you need assistance. Be humble and curious, and reach out to your contacts for help and advice when you face a challenge, a dilemma, or a decision. Show your appreciation and gratitude for their help and advice, and follow up with the results or outcomes. By asking for help and advice, you will acknowledge your contacts' expertise and experience, and you will create a mutual exchange of value and support.
Asking for advice signals that you respect the person and their expertise. You will always remember people you help because it gives you a sense of accomplishment too!
The fifth step to keeping your professional contacts for life is to be respectful and professional. Don't take your contacts for granted or treat them poorly. Be courteous and polite, and follow the norms and etiquette of communication and interaction. Respect their time, privacy, boundaries, and preferences. Avoid gossip, drama, or conflict, and handle any disagreements or misunderstandings with grace and diplomacy. By being respectful and professional, you will maintain your reputation and integrity with your contacts, and they will trust and admire you.
The sixth and final step to keeping your professional contacts for life is to have fun and enjoy. Don't make your relationships with your contacts all about work or business. Find common interests, hobbies, or passions that you can share and enjoy with them. Invite them to social events, activities, or outings that are fun and relaxing. Laugh, joke, or celebrate with them, and show your personality and humor. By having fun and enjoying, you will create positive and memorable experiences with your contacts, and they will like and bond with you.