It’s important to keep in regular touch with your network, whether it is
through social media channels, email, or other means. You can provide
status updates, share information that you’ve read (e.g., articles), or simply
thank individuals or groups for their support and assistance. Similar to
social media, you want your posts (emails, and others) to be read, relevant,
and considered high content. Social media is most effective when people
are given something decent to read or their attention is captured—which
means you can stay away from posting what you had for dinner last night.
Once a story gains momentum, its popularity increases exponentially; as
a result, that story is then shared. On Facebook for example, the stories
that have the most comments and “likes” continue to appear in the top
of the news feed for those who sort by the “most popular” criteria. I want
you to think about having your content “liked.” I’m not making the point
to copy everyone on an email, reply all, or make it a daily event unless you
have something important to communicate. What I’m emphasizing is the
need to be the driver of information and to stay visible in the eyes of the
people who can most help you achieve your goals. It’s important to keep
the lines of communication open and constant—even when you gained
everything you needed from the initial conversation.
An easy way to do this is by showing your appreciation for the support
you’re getting. Back to the social media example, it’s essential to go beyond
a simple “thanks” email or post. Express to the person why you feel
grateful for their efforts. If possible, if there are other people who would
want or need to know what that person did for you, then copy or share
with them as well. When the note becomes about them, you start to make
an impact on deepening the relationship. Another way is to continue to
turn the discussion around to the people with whom you’re networking.
I’ve surprised a few people when I turned the conversation around and
offered my assistance by asking, “What can I do for you?” A humble approach
to genuinely say thank you while offering your skills and services
can be placed in his or her back pocket for later, and will go a long way in
deepening your relationship.
Thomas B. Dowd III’s books available in softcover, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only):
- Now What? The Ultimate Graduation Gift for Professional Success
- Time Management Manifesto: Expert Strategies to Create an Effective Work/Life Balance
- Displacement Day: When My Job was Looking for a Job…A Reference Guide to Finding Work
- The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World
- From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide received the Gold Medal at the 2013 Axiom Business Book Awards in Business Reference
- The Unofficial Guide to Fatherhood
See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com. Book, eBook, and audiobook (From Fear to Success only) purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com