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How do you maintain and cultivate connections?
Is there more than just sending people emails saying you're interested?
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9 answers
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
The short answer is yes, it is more than simply sending emails stating your interest in something. Connections are incredibly valuable in all aspects of life, and from a professional standpoint, I have often used LinkedIn as an easy tool to find other people who I might have some sort of "weak tie" to that often leads to stronger connections if desired. The easiest way to begin the conversation is to find any common ground you might have with the person you're looking to connect with (interests, school, experience, etc.). I've read that an easy way to get someone to respond to your desire to connect is to reach out with a question or small favor that gets the conversation going. Once you've connected with someone, it's on you to maintain that connection based on how strong of a connection you want to have.
Cultivating connections is all about listening in order to prompt your next follow up. Look for cues in what someone tells you about themselves, because many times others will lead us to the answers we seek when cultivating connections.
Emails are good for making connections if you have contact information, otherwise there are many social media platforms that can be great tools for building your network. Use the outreach options on those platforms to the full limit of their free capabilities, because even a short note with some poignant questions can go a long way toward making meaningful connections.
I hope that helps! Good luck with your networking, and remember that even weak ties can create strong connections down the road with the appropriate amount of care and attention.
Cultivating connections is all about listening in order to prompt your next follow up. Look for cues in what someone tells you about themselves, because many times others will lead us to the answers we seek when cultivating connections.
Emails are good for making connections if you have contact information, otherwise there are many social media platforms that can be great tools for building your network. Use the outreach options on those platforms to the full limit of their free capabilities, because even a short note with some poignant questions can go a long way toward making meaningful connections.
I hope that helps! Good luck with your networking, and remember that even weak ties can create strong connections down the road with the appropriate amount of care and attention.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Jocelyn
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Handwritten notes are often appreciated. Find some interesting looking notecards which will make the one who receives them want to read what you have written. Keep your note short with just a few words of appreciation for the time and thoughts shared with you.
For connections you want to maintain that do not relate to job applications, you can also use those note cards to simply say thinking of you and that you value their relationship. Receiving a notecard in the mail doesn't happen every day the way emails do. I think a key is ongoing communication. Keep a list of your key relationships (include family and friends) and set a reminder every other month to send a short note. You will be appreciated!
With every good wish.
For connections you want to maintain that do not relate to job applications, you can also use those note cards to simply say thinking of you and that you value their relationship. Receiving a notecard in the mail doesn't happen every day the way emails do. I think a key is ongoing communication. Keep a list of your key relationships (include family and friends) and set a reminder every other month to send a short note. You will be appreciated!
With every good wish.
Handwritten letters are always a nice surprise to get and to make (it's very personal compared to an email online)! Thank you for the advice!
Jocelyn
Updated
Luke’s Answer
Hi Jocelyn. If you're talking about connections and emails as it relates to job applications, then I would say that there is more than sending emails (although email is a main form of communication in the professional life).
If you're looking to get noticed then you can prepare a dossier of school projects and interests as they relate to jobs, anything unique that would make you stand out - then make a few phone calls. Some people don't like cold calling but I've done it in the past with success. I've had better success making connections with smaller companies than larger ones because in many cases the person on the phone that you're talking to is a decision maker, or you are just one extension away from someone in the business.
If you're looking to get noticed then you can prepare a dossier of school projects and interests as they relate to jobs, anything unique that would make you stand out - then make a few phone calls. Some people don't like cold calling but I've done it in the past with success. I've had better success making connections with smaller companies than larger ones because in many cases the person on the phone that you're talking to is a decision maker, or you are just one extension away from someone in the business.
Thank you for the advice! I'l try and work up the courage to make calls as I get a bit anxious making them, so I think I'll stick to emails and other websites for now!
Jocelyn
No problem. If I can add a suggestion for cold calls, you could prepare a script. I'm also not very comfortable making cold calls so I prepared something to say to start the conversation each time I'd make a call. Something like "Hi my name is Luke and I'm a student at x university studying xyz and I'm looking for an internship this upcoming summer so I was drawn to your company because of the nature of the work and the types of projects - so I wanted to call to introduce myself and ask about your summer intern needs."
Doesn't have to be exactly that, I just typed that up off the cuff - but it's just a suggestion to hopefully help push you to make some calls.
Luke Garrett
Updated
Kristine’s Answer
Hey Jocelyn,
If you're still in school, you can continue to foster a relationship by picking someone's brain on a project or an idea. You can ask to shadow for a week.
When I was in school, the career mgmt folks told me to offer something in return to the person I was networking with to keep the relationship going. I didn't feel like I had anything to offer, so instead I used them as a sound board for projects and found common interests to drop them a note (sports are a GREAT reason to drop a note).
Good luck!
If you're still in school, you can continue to foster a relationship by picking someone's brain on a project or an idea. You can ask to shadow for a week.
When I was in school, the career mgmt folks told me to offer something in return to the person I was networking with to keep the relationship going. I didn't feel like I had anything to offer, so instead I used them as a sound board for projects and found common interests to drop them a note (sports are a GREAT reason to drop a note).
Good luck!
Thank you for the advice!
Jocelyn
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hello Jocelyn! Indeed, there are numerous strategies to nurture and sustain your network.
To start, reflect on how the relationship you're aiming to foster or uphold relates to your life. This could be on a personal or professional level. If you identify a shared interest or goal, utilize that as a foundation to strengthen or establish the relationship. For instance, if you're in university, seek out clubs and societies that align with your passions.
Secondly, make sure to balance talking and listening; this will enable you to discover individuals who share your perspectives or whose ideas captivate you. This way, you can create a sincere bond.
Finally, keep the lines of communication open. This could be as simple as a phone call, a brief message when they come to mind, or even inviting them to an event that you believe they would enjoy. The crucial element is your consistent engagement.
To start, reflect on how the relationship you're aiming to foster or uphold relates to your life. This could be on a personal or professional level. If you identify a shared interest or goal, utilize that as a foundation to strengthen or establish the relationship. For instance, if you're in university, seek out clubs and societies that align with your passions.
Secondly, make sure to balance talking and listening; this will enable you to discover individuals who share your perspectives or whose ideas captivate you. This way, you can create a sincere bond.
Finally, keep the lines of communication open. This could be as simple as a phone call, a brief message when they come to mind, or even inviting them to an event that you believe they would enjoy. The crucial element is your consistent engagement.
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Connections require a mutual respect and touch points over time. Similar to personal relationships, you need to have communication with people in your growing network. You should be responsive when they reach out and provide support to them in their career and professional growth. With your mutual relationship, you will be able to reach out to them when you need assistance. In my career, I have made contacts across all different teams and experiences. I rely on the connections I've made in life and professionally. Support them and they will support you.
Updated
John’s Answer
Hey Joceyln,
I get questions about networking a lot so I actually gave a TEDx on the topic (see link below).
The best time to start networking is when you don't need anything from other people. You can get to know them and learn from them without the expectation of them doing something for you. Your message should focus on learning and getting to know them.
The best way to network is start where you are with people who have a connection to you (friend of parents, parents of friends, people going to the college you are going to or who recently graduated from there, etc.). My TEDx takes you through what type of message to send, what to do in the meeting, and how to build a community through networking instead of just a list of acquaintances.
Best,
John
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMQQeV74H7U
I get questions about networking a lot so I actually gave a TEDx on the topic (see link below).
The best time to start networking is when you don't need anything from other people. You can get to know them and learn from them without the expectation of them doing something for you. Your message should focus on learning and getting to know them.
The best way to network is start where you are with people who have a connection to you (friend of parents, parents of friends, people going to the college you are going to or who recently graduated from there, etc.). My TEDx takes you through what type of message to send, what to do in the meeting, and how to build a community through networking instead of just a list of acquaintances.
Best,
John
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMQQeV74H7U
Updated
Ekaterina’s Answer
To maintain and cultivate a connection even if there are no touch points or joint projects anymore, do congratulate the person with major holidays like Xmas, Easter, birthday etc. When chatting to others try to memorize or just write down whether someone has a dog / cat / child etc. (that kind of things pop up during conversations or video calls) - next time you talk to that person you can ask a question like "how is your cat/dog/kid doing" and that will make your conversation informal and will help to build relations.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Jocelyn !
I would also like to suggest that you create an account at the website of your local Department of Labor. They have a calendar of events every month which lists all sorts of Job Fairs and trainings and workshops. This would be a great way to meet people in person so they will remember you. Collect business cards from people you speak with at these events and stay in touch with them. That is how you will maintain the connection. The best website for this is Linked In, so you should start an account there, too.
It's just a matter of staying in touch through social media, e-mails and meeting people in person. You can also use Facebook for this as well.
Best wishes as you forge ahead with gaining more connections !
I would also like to suggest that you create an account at the website of your local Department of Labor. They have a calendar of events every month which lists all sorts of Job Fairs and trainings and workshops. This would be a great way to meet people in person so they will remember you. Collect business cards from people you speak with at these events and stay in touch with them. That is how you will maintain the connection. The best website for this is Linked In, so you should start an account there, too.
It's just a matter of staying in touch through social media, e-mails and meeting people in person. You can also use Facebook for this as well.
Best wishes as you forge ahead with gaining more connections !