*hope all is well!* So You Got the Business Card, Now What? Turning Contacts into Connections

There is much written about networking and building relationships, but we should be giving equal attention to nurturing those relationships. After all, It's not about how many business cards you collect, but what you do with them.

I recently received an email from my mentee Kellie S. Taylor that started, “I hope this message finds you well…” Kellie wasn’t reaching out to ask for something, but rather to check in and nurture our relationship. That is why Kellie is top of mind for me when opportunities arise.

While I enjoy mentoring, coaching, and sponsoring young women, the ones who only come to me when they need something, are missing something. These relationships feel purely transactional. The ones that stand out are those that are nurtured and have a genuine connection. These relationships feel mutually beneficial.

To turn contacts into connections, they must exhibit positive “relationship DNA” traits, such as:

Authenticity

Confidentiality

Curiosity

Empathy

Generosity

Gratitude

Humility

Humor

Vulnerability

(Source: It’s Not Just Who You Know by Tommy Spaulding)

These traits are key to nurturing and growing lasting relationships. When nurturing relationships, frequency of contact is essential. This means maintaining regular communication, offering support, and seeking opportunities for mutual benefit. The mentees who remain top of mind for me check in often (quarterly), update me on their accomplishments, and seek advice or feedback on their progress. Regular check-ins help keep the relationship dynamic and productive, fostering continuous growth and development. In short, they find unique, consistent ways to stay connected.?

Below is a template you may use for nurturing “check-in” emails, to be sure that you turn your contacts into connections.

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Template for a Nurturing "Check-in" Email to a Mentor or Sponsor

By Sheri West

Subject: Checking In and Sharing Updates

Dear [Mentor/Sponsor's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to check in and share some updates on my progress and experiences over the past few months.

Firstly, I want to express my gratitude for your continued support and guidance. Your insights and advice have been incredibly valuable, and I have been applying many of your suggestions in my daily work.

Here are a few highlights since our last meeting:

[Recent Achievement/Project]: I recently completed [briefly describe a project or achievement]. This experience taught me [mention any key learnings or insights], and I was reminded of the advice you gave me about [relevant advice].

[Skill Development/Training]: I have been focusing on developing my skills in [mention any skills or training]. I took [specific actions, courses, or workshops], and I am already seeing improvements in [mention specific areas of improvement].

[Networking/Relationship Building]: Following your suggestion, I have been actively working on expanding my professional network. I attended [specific event or conference] and connected with [mention any significant connections].

I would love to hear any feedback you might have and discuss any advice you have for continuing to grow in these areas. If you have some time available in the coming weeks, I would appreciate the opportunity to catch up and discuss my progress in more detail.

Thank you once again for your mentorship and support. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Best Wishes,

*****

Remember to be specific and express appreciation for their guidance and support.

Here are a few more excellent examples of nurturing emails from Mentees - Janay Super and Stella Turner :

The summer is a perfect time for nurturing. Many of us slow down a bit and take more time to enjoy the sunny days. So, here’s my challenge for you: identify three relationships that are important to you (mentors, coaches, or sponsors), craft an email, and hit SEND. You’ll be glad you did.

Keep shining, Sheri

?? Celebrating LiveGirl's 1??0??th anniversary, of course! We had an epic garden party celebration, raised a glass to serving nearly 18,000 girls over the past decade, and raised $250,000 for our important work! Cheers!

?? Bear, Season 3 (of course!)

?? All Fours by Miranda July

?? My daily appreciation practice, simply asking "What did I do right today?"