Building a strong professional network takes effort, but maintaining and nurturing it is what truly makes it valuable. A strong network isn’t just about having many connections—it’s about meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships that can support your career and personal growth over time. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, staying proactive in nurturing your network is essential.
In a previous article, 5 Proven Ways to Expand Your Network of Professional Contacts, we discussed growing your network. Now let’s look at nurturing the network you currently have. Below are practical strategies to help you stay connected, add value to your relationships, and reap the rewards of a well-nurtured network.
Regularly Reach Out with Personalized Messages
How often do you check in with your network? One of the most important habits to adopt is regular communication with your contacts. But here’s the catch—it needs to feel genuine and personal. Reaching out only when you need something can make the relationship seem transactional, and no one enjoys feeling used.
Instead, send tailored messages that show genuine interest in their lives or careers. For example, if you see a former colleague post about a recent promotion or project on LinkedIn, send them a congratulatory message. Mention specifics—like their work’s impact—to make the interaction more meaningful.
Offer Assistance and Share Valuable Resources
Strong networks are built on reciprocity. A simple yet powerful way to nurture your network is by being a resource for others. The joy of sharing knowledge and the satisfaction of helping others make these actions fulfilling. Share articles, insights, or tools that align with your contacts’ interests or goals. Recently, I came across a technical article that I knew one of my contacts would find valuable. After sharing it, they thanked me and mentioned how helpful it had been. Small gestures like these strengthen bonds and make you a go-to person for valuable information.
Think about this: when did you last share something useful with your network?
Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Networking thrives on opportunities for genuine human interaction, and conferences or industry events are excellent venues to meet new professionals while reconnecting with existing contacts. Once, I attended an industry conference and ran into a former colleague I hadn’t spoken to in years. That chance encounter turned into a significant career opportunity for me.
The key here is preparation. Before attending an event, check if anyone in your network is attending. Reach out to schedule a quick coffee or lunch break during the event—it’s a simple way to solidify existing connections while expanding your network.
Stay Engaged Through Social Media
Social media platforms like LinkedIn are powerful tools for engaging with your network. Regularly share updates, industry articles, or insights, and respond to posts your connections share to stay on their radar. If you’ve recently read a great book or attended a valuable workshop, share what you learned and tag people in your network who might benefit from it.
Pro tip: Don’t just “like” someone’s post—leave a thoughtful comment. A simple “Congrats!” is OK, but a more personalized comment like, “This is such a well-deserved promotion! I remember the great work you did on [Project XYZ]” will stand out and spark further engagement.
Schedule Regular Check-ins
Make it a habit to schedule monthly or quarterly check-ins with members of your network. These check-ins don’t have to be formal meetings; they can be casual coffee chats or even a quick Zoom call. During one such meeting, I learned about a colleague’s challenging project and suggested a solution they found incredibly helpful. Regular check-ins like this not only maintain the relationship but also keep you top of mind when new opportunities arise.
What’s stopping you from scheduling your next coffee chat right now? Look through your calendar and plan it today.
Keep Track of Interests and Goals
The best networkers are those who pay attention to the little details. Keep track of your contacts’ interests, goals, and milestones. Acknowledging these moments can make your relationship more personal and meaningful, whether it’s a promotion, a hobby they mentioned, or a job change.
Consider maintaining a simple spreadsheet or using a CRM tool to organize this information. When you follow up with someone, referencing these details shows you’ve been paying attention, and they’ll appreciate the genuine effort.
Always Follow Up After Interactions
Think about the last networking event you attended—did you follow up with contacts afterward? Reinforcing your relationships after meetings, phone calls, or informal chats is critical. A quick message thanking them for their time or mentioning something specific you enjoyed discussing is often enough to make an impact.
For example, email a new contact after an industry event saying, “It was great meeting you at [Event Name]! I loved learning about your work on [Specific Topic]. I’d love to stay connected and explore ideas together in the future.”
Be Authentic and Genuine
Above all, authenticity is the foundation of any successful network. People appreciate meaningful conversations over superficial interactions. Don’t just network for your personal gain—genuinely invest in building relationships with those who share mutual values and interests. Being yourself and showing genuine care fosters trust, which is key to sustaining these connections for the long term. This authenticity makes you a trustworthy and reliable connection in your network.
Take Action Today
Maintaining and nurturing your network doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by taking one or two small actions to connect with people in your circle—send a personalized message, schedule a coffee meeting, or simply comment on a LinkedIn post. These are simple yet effective ways to start implementing the networking strategies we’ve discussed.
And remember, you don’t have to do this alone.
I’m Here To Help
If you need career guidance, consider joining my Monthly Career Trajectory Program. This program offers tailored accountability check-ins designed especially for professionals like you. We’ll work on your career goals together, provide personalized advice, and leverage your network for new opportunities. It’s a valuable resource that can significantly boost your career growth.
CLICK HERE to schedule a quick call and secure your spot in my Monthly Career Trajectory Program!