Staying connected to your professional network –without overkill
“It’s not what you know, but who you know”
The statement above may seem tired, but it is definitely on the mind of job seekers and small business owners everywhere. Constructing a strong professional network is an important expenditure of individuals’ effort and time.
There are certainly more options for staying in touch in the digital age than previously. Social Networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn now compete for our time with more traditional media such as speaking, text and email. This plethora of new-media poses two principle challenges: first, we have our professional and personal lives to actually live; so our available time is limited. Second, there is a line between sensible and friendly conversation and being a pest; it is harder to know which side of the line you on with new media. The following insider tips will ensure that you don’t overdo it, on both counts.
Use social media.
Social media is a great option for staying in touch with colleagues and friends; used well, it can save a lot of time. You must be aware however, that different people will use social media in a different way — some will use Facebook as a catch all solution for both friends and colleagues, while some will try and separate this out; perhaps using LinkedIn for all things professional. Our tip is, to try and figure out how each person is using their site – and then match your use. This may sound like a lot of work, it isn’t, but it will stop you from appearing creepy.
The best way of interacting is by keeping it light and occasional. Perhaps most importantly, you should not just associate for the sake of a sale – this is not networking. You should look for something in common like a sporting interest and use this as a way of not fading from their memory without overstepping the boundaries. The trick, as with all relationships, is to bring something mutually beneficial to the party.
Read the signals
You will need to stay tuned in to the feedback you’re receiving to stop yourself becoming a pest. Each person is unique and likes to communicate and socialize in different ways. Try and work out what is appropriate and adjust your behavior accordingly. Most importantly, nobody likes being ‘networked’.
Networking is both time consuming and – like all good things – does not offer an instant payback. It is worth it but you must keep your eye on the long game.
