Meeting new professional contacts can be a great way to expand your network, learn new skills, and discover new opportunities. But how can you make sure that you don't lose touch with them after the initial introduction? Here are some tips to help you maintain and nurture your relationships with your new contacts.
The first step to staying in touch with a new contact is to follow up with them as soon as possible after meeting them. This shows that you are interested, respectful, and proactive. You can send them a short email, a LinkedIn message, or a phone call, depending on the context and the level of formality. In your follow-up, you should thank them for their time, remind them of who you are and how you met, and mention something specific that you discussed or learned from them. You should also suggest a next step, such as setting up a meeting, sharing a resource, or asking a question.
Stay in touch with a new professional contact by exchanging contact information, connecting on professional networking platforms, scheduling follow-up meetings, and periodically reaching out with relevant updates or opportunities.
Focus on providing value vs receiving value. And then watch how people will be drawn to you. Its applicable for professional, personal and all kinds of human connections.
Certainly! 1. Exchange contact information. 2. Send a thank-you email after your meeting. 3. Connect on LinkedIn. 4. Schedule a follow-up meeting or call. 5. Engage with their content on social media. 6. Offer value by sharing relevant resources. 7. Attend networking events. 8. Set reminders to stay in touch. 9. Be genuine and personal in your communication. 10. Be responsive to their messages and requests. Following these steps will help you maintain a strong professional relationship with your new contact.
The second step to staying in touch with a new contact is to add value to the relationship. This means that you should offer something that is useful, relevant, or meaningful to them, without expecting anything in return. For example, you can share an article, a podcast, or a book that relates to their interests or goals. You can also introduce them to someone who can help them with a challenge or an opportunity. Or you can invite them to an event, a webinar, or a workshop that they might benefit from. The key is to show that you are paying attention, that you care, and that you are not just looking for a favor.
The third step to staying in touch with a new contact is to be consistent in your communication. This means that you should not disappear after the first follow-up, or only reach out when you need something. Instead, you should establish a regular and appropriate frequency of contact, depending on the nature and the purpose of the relationship. For example, you can check in with them every month, every quarter, or every year, depending on how close or how formal you are. You can also use occasions such as birthdays, holidays, or milestones to reconnect and celebrate. The key is to show that you are reliable, that you remember, and that you are not just a one-time acquaintance.
The fourth step to staying in touch with a new contact is to be personal in your communication. This means that you should not use generic or impersonal messages, such as "Hi, how are you?" or "Hope all is well." Instead, you should use their name, refer to something specific that you know about them, and express genuine interest and curiosity. You should also share something about yourself, such as your achievements, challenges, or aspirations. This will help you build rapport, trust, and rapport with your new contact. The key is to show that you are human, that you have a personality, and that you are not just a business card.
- Introduce yourself to them on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn or WhatsApp. This shall create a firm digital handshake that will stay imprinted always. - Personalize your reference to them and add a small recall to the topic of your conversation or engagement. This will give them confidence and warmth in interacting with you. - Make sure you have a public broadcast and ensure you add them in appropriation. This shall ensure your recall of them and will keep you connected to them. - List their strengths or any notable factors that might come in handy later, and introduce them to an opportunity or a person who fits their profile. This shall grow your network with them and they will give you the right opportunity!
The fifth step to staying in touch with a new contact is to be respectful of their time, preferences, and boundaries. This means that you should not spam them with too many messages, call them at inappropriate hours, or pressure them to respond or meet. Instead, you should ask for their permission, preference, and availability before contacting them. You should also respect their communication style, whether they prefer email, phone, or text. And you should respect their pace, whether they are fast or slow to reply or act. The key is to show that you are courteous, that you value their input, and that you are not just a nuisance.
The sixth and final step to staying in touch with a new contact is to be reciprocal in the relationship. This means that you should not only take, but also give. You should not only ask, but also answer. You should not only receive, but also offer. In other words, you should be willing and able to help your new contact in any way that you can, whether it is by providing feedback, advice, referrals, or support. You should also express your gratitude, appreciation, and recognition for their help, guidance, or collaboration. The key is to show that you are generous, that you are grateful, and that you are not just a taker.
To stay on top of communication, perhaps consider a journey campaign where it may be automated however the content is specifically targeted to the audience with helpful and relevant topics to their job function, so it makes sense for them to receive it. Put quarterly or every six-month outreach reminder pings for personal touch calls. When attending an association event, parse the connections and reach out to find out who in that function will be attending the event and then catch up further on site.
In addition to these, it is important to consider what sparked the connection and build on that while maintaining decorum. Every relationship has a definition but with room to grow into more. It is important to understand and define the relationship at inception and patiently grow it using the steps mentioned in the article