How - and why - to Nurture your Network!

Last week, I wrote about gratitude - suggesting you grab a notebook to begin a gratitude journal. Did you do it? I did. I have been writing three things I'm grateful for each morning. It only takes about a minute and I am already loving the focus it is giving me to kickstart my day in a positive way.

This week, I wrote in my column, "The Communicator," in Ireland's largest circulated newspaper, The Sunday Independent, about a wonderful experience I was grateful to take part in - and all because another human being on this planet - nurtured her relationship with me - over six years. Click the link to read the paper online - or just keep reading on below to discover why professional relationship care - is so important - for us all.

On Monday, I was especially grateful for an opportunity to try to help someone advance their career. It began when a message came to me via WhatsApp.

"Hello Gina," the writer began. It was a young woman I met in another country about six years ago when I spoke before a group of college students. "Beautiful day," she continued. "Do you know so-and-so?"

I'm not going to divulge specific names here because the situation is ongoing. But here's the important back-story and subsequent lessons for today.

At the time when I spoke, there were about 2,000 students gathered in the large assembly hall.

After the event, scores of them stuck around to take selfies with me, to exchange social media contact information, and to promise to send their CVs or some other form of follow-up to keep in touch.

Of the many people who initially made that pledge, only this young woman has consistently stayed connected with me over the years.

She told me her goal was to "become a television news presenter".

I advised she record herself on her phone, reading aloud newspaper or magazine articles, then email me the video clips.

She has done it. For years. I review each clip, providing feedback and direction. Take after take. Clip after clip. Year after year. It has been truly remarkable to watch her abilities and career grow and mature.

She is clearly one hard-working, dedicated and committed individual. A champion at nurturing her network.

So this past week, when she pinged me on WhatsApp and asked whether I happened to know the head of the news organisation to which she was applying, I didn't hesitate.

In fact, I did know the guy. So although I was in the middle of something that morning and I hadn't actually seen this woman face-to-face in some six years, I dropped everything and immediately sent him a private note via social media. I underscored her admirable traits as I've already described to you.

He responded right away, saying that my words were "high praise" and would not go unnoticed. The decision is still pending - and before we go any further, I want to stress that I am not saying my recommendation alone will seal the deal for her. She needs to have the right combination of talents the network is looking for.

But if there is a tie and the win goes to the person who can demonstrate the stronger work ethic, I hope my note does tip the scale.

She nurtured our professional relationship. I am now invested in her. I want to see her succeed.

You, too, can become a network nurturer. Here are some things to bear in mind to do this well.

1 Understand that nurturing your network does not equal exploitation or manipulation

I remember reading some HuffPost contributor a while back complaining that she didn't want her "authentic interest" in keeping in touch with people to come across as "calculated business strategy".

My assertion is that these two approaches don't have to be mutually exclusive. If you're already genuinely friendly, layering a structured approach to ensure you don't forget to keep in contact is a great idea.

Conversely, if you're more introverted and better at making spreadsheets than small talk, then disciplining yourself to regularly and kindly check in will generate a positive feedback loop, which will encourage you to continue.

2 Understand that you don't ever have to stop nurturing your network

I recently spoke with a friend who thought she was past the 'networking coffee' phase. She claimed she was "too senior" and it felt "too needy". Nonsense.

The whole notion of keeping in touch with people who one day may be able to help you is not only for up-and-comers.

Senior executives, CEOs, board chairs, anyone with a pulse, will one day be grateful for that contact who can make an essential introduction, referral or call.

This is called life, folks. And get this: most of us social animals known as humans actually enjoy being in a position to help another person.

If the term 'networking' sounds too, well, you know, then call it collaborating, or something else, but do call.

3 Understand that you need to keep your network in the loop

If someone makes a recommendation for you, or gets you a meeting or makes a call, don't forget to keep them directly circled in.

I had lunch this past week with a business executive who shared how frustrating it was - after he had made a call for someone - to learn third-hand what transpired.

Caring for your network is an ongoing effort. Talk to people. Thank them. Nurture them.

And so, dear network, I dutifully promise to keep you all informed of what happens next to my remarkable would-be news presenter.

Write to Gina in care of [email protected] or right here!

With corporate clients in five continents, Gina London is a premier communications strategy, structure and delivery expert. She is also a media analyst, author, speaker and former CNN anchor. @TheGinaLondon