What are some best practices for maintaining and strengthening your professional network over time?

1 Stay in touch

Staying in touch with your contacts is a key part of networking. Instead of only reaching out when you need something, you should show genuine interest and appreciation for your connections. This can be done by sending thank-you notes or emails after a meeting, event, or referral, congratulating them on their achievements, promotions, or milestones, sharing relevant articles, resources, or opportunities that might benefit them, asking for their feedback, advice, or insights on a topic or challenge, and inviting them to join a webinar, podcast, or online community that you are part of or hosting. The goal is to provide value and demonstrate that you care. You should aim to communicate with your contacts at least once every three months depending on the nature and frequency of your interactions.

2 Be helpful and generous

Maintaining and strengthening your professional network requires being helpful and generous. This can be done by introducing them to someone who can help with their goals, recommending them for a job or opportunity, endorsing them on LinkedIn, sharing their work with your audience, or volunteering to help with a task. The key is to be proactive and sincere, without expecting anything in return, yet being open to reciprocate if they offer assistance. This will build trust and goodwill, and make your contacts more likely to remember you and refer you to others.

3 Seek feedback and learning

Maintaining and strengthening your professional network can be done by seeking feedback and learning. Request a performance review, a 360-degree feedback, or a peer evaluation from colleagues, managers, or mentors. Ask for a referral to a coach, trainer, or course that can help you develop new skills or competencies. Seek advice or guidance from an expert, a leader, or a role model in your field or industry. Join a mastermind group, a mentoring program, or a professional association that can provide you with feedback and learning opportunities. Additionally, participate in online forums, blogs, or podcasts that discuss topics or trends related to your profession or niche. It's important to be humble and curious when doing so; don't be afraid to admit weaknesses, mistakes, or gaps. Instead, view them as opportunities to grow and learn. Showing contacts that you are committed to your professional development and that you value their input will benefit you in the long run.

4 Be authentic and consistent

Maintaining and strengthening your professional network requires authenticity and consistency. You should share your personal stories, values, and passions with your contacts, express your opinions with honesty and respect, and follow up on promises, commitments, and expectations. Additionally, you should be willing to acknowledge your failures and apologize for mistakes with sincerity and humility. The key is to be human and trustworthy; don't pretend to be someone you are not or say things you don't mean. Showing your personality, integrity, and vulnerability will make your contacts feel more connected to you and more willing to trust you.

5 Celebrate and appreciate

A fifth way to maintain and strengthen your professional network is to celebrate and appreciate. This involves recognizing and acknowledging the achievements, contributions, and efforts of your contacts. You can send them a congratulatory message, card, or gift on special occasions such as their birthdays or anniversaries. You can also celebrate their successes, awards, or recognition with praise or applause. Showing your gratitude for their help or referrals with compliments or tokens of appreciation is another way to show appreciation. Moreover, you can highlight their strengths, skills, or talents with admiration and respect. Lastly, express your happiness for their goals with encouragement and support. The key is to be positive and supportive instead of jealous, competitive, or indifferent. Doing so will make your contacts feel more valued and appreciated and more loyal and engaged.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?