A recent conversation with a general counsel who voluntarily left his position reinforced the importance of why we all need to stay connected.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, building and maintaining strong relationships is one of the most critical skills professionals can cultivate. However, personal priorities, long work hours, and hectic schedules often prevent us from staying in touch with important contacts. When unexpected events—such as mergers, acquisitions, or career transitions—occur, we often realize the true value of our professional network…and how much we can improve on maintaining it.
For aforementioned general counsel, the abundance of new opportunities he could choose from was a direct result of deliberate efforts to keep in touch with his network.
Below are some effective tips for staying connected despite your busy schedule.
1. Clean Up Your Contact List
Begin by printing out your contacts from Outlook (or whatever platform you use). Remove any names of individuals you do not recall or with whom you no longer interact. If you are unlikely to reach out to someone, there is no need to keep their information. Next, add any individuals you frequently communicate with who aren’t on the list. Last, identify 50 key individuals who could help you discover new opportunities or provide value in the future. Highlight these names and add them to a spreadsheet. For better management, consider creating a “Contact Activity Tracker.” Please feel free to email me for the version we use to manage touchpoints.
2. Utilize LinkedIn
Even if some colleagues say they don’t use LinkedIn, it remains one of the most valuable tools for maintaining your professional network. Make sure to connect with the individuals from your Contact Activity Tracker, or other contact management software you may use, on LinkedIn. It’s an easy, effective way to stay updated and maintain professional relationships, even with a packed schedule.
Any of these approaches works well for leveraging LinkedIn: I can’t believe we aren’t connected here! I saw XYZ recently and it made me think of you. Let’s catch up soon. How does next week work for you? I can shoot over some date/time options to get the scheduling started…
Also, commenting on something the person has posted and then sending a DM is effective – and memorable – as well.
3. Reach Out and Stay in Touch
Plan a time to call or email the individuals on your list. While email is convenient, phone calls are more personal and impactful. If it’s been a while since you last connected, keep it simple: “I just wanted to check in and see how you’re doing.” Let the conversation flow naturally, and – before ending the call – make sure to express your intent to keep in touch. This outreach may take a few months, so spread it out over time, aiming to contact everyone within a three- to six-month period.
4. Follow Up Regularly
Touch base with your contacts two to three times a year. Send holiday cards with a handwritten note, share relevant articles (i.e., from Forbes, Business Week, or CCBJ) through LinkedIn with a thoughtful comment, and look for opportunities to keep the conversation going. Small, consistent actions help maintain relationships over time.
5. Be a Connector
One of the best ways to stay connected is to introduce people within your network to one another. Not only does this strengthen your own connections, but it also positions you as a valuable resource. When possible, aim to meet key contacts face-to-face over coffee, breakfast, lunch, at mutual industry events, etc.
Staying connected is a two-way street, benefiting you AND your contacts. By making an effort to maintain your network, you open doors to new opportunities, provide value to others, and build a solid foundation for future business and career moves. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, nurturing relationships is a valuable investment in your professional life.
Happy networking!
