Keeping connections alive is important, but how often you reach out depends on the type of relationship you have. Here are some tips that have worked for me over the years.
Weekly Check-Ins: This may be too often for most connections, unless you’re working together on something. Sending a quick message could feel a bit pushy.
Monthly Touchpoints: This is a better choice for most relationships. Whether you send an email, message on LinkedIn, or have a casual phone call, touching base once a month feels just right. It's a good way to stay in their mind without being annoying.
Quarterly Updates: Every three months is a good timeline for professional networking. This is especially helpful for people you don’t know well, like someone you met at a conference. You could send a quick email with an article they might like or just check in to see how they're doing.
After You First Meet: If you’ve just met someone at an event, follow up within a week. A simple message thanking them for the chat is always nice.
After Big Changes: If you know someone has changed jobs or moved, reaching out can mean a lot. It shows that you care about what’s happening in their life and can make your bond stronger.
Meaningful Follow-Ups: Instead of just checking in for no reason, think of ways to help the other person. Share interesting articles, connect them with someone who can help them, or suggest getting coffee to discuss common interests.
Personal Touch: Not every relationship is the same. Some people like more contact, while others prefer a more relaxed approach. Pay attention to how they react and change how often you reach out based on that.
Reminder Systems: Use tools like calendar alerts or apps like Trello to remind yourself when to check in with someone. It might seem a little mechanical, but it really helps you stay connected.
Social Media: Liking and commenting on their posts is a gentle way to stay in touch without needing a full conversation every time. It shows you care, even from afar.
Meet in Person: When you can, turn those online connections into real-life meetings. These are really valuable! Try to catch up over coffee once or twice a year with important contacts.
Create a Community: Having mutual friends can bring you closer. Organize small meetups or networking dinners to help everyone connect and stay engaged.
In short, keeping connections alive is about finding a balance that works for both you and the other person. Focus on meaningful interactions rather than just reaching out for the sake of it. Remember, relationships go both ways—paying attention to what your contacts need will help you build a strong network that benefits everyone.
Keeping connections alive is important, but how often you reach out depends on the type of relationship you have. Here are some tips that have worked for me over the years.
Weekly Check-Ins: This may be too often for most connections, unless you’re working together on something. Sending a quick message could feel a bit pushy.
Monthly Touchpoints: This is a better choice for most relationships. Whether you send an email, message on LinkedIn, or have a casual phone call, touching base once a month feels just right. It's a good way to stay in their mind without being annoying.
Quarterly Updates: Every three months is a good timeline for professional networking. This is especially helpful for people you don’t know well, like someone you met at a conference. You could send a quick email with an article they might like or just check in to see how they're doing.
After You First Meet: If you’ve just met someone at an event, follow up within a week. A simple message thanking them for the chat is always nice.
After Big Changes: If you know someone has changed jobs or moved, reaching out can mean a lot. It shows that you care about what’s happening in their life and can make your bond stronger.
Meaningful Follow-Ups: Instead of just checking in for no reason, think of ways to help the other person. Share interesting articles, connect them with someone who can help them, or suggest getting coffee to discuss common interests.
Personal Touch: Not every relationship is the same. Some people like more contact, while others prefer a more relaxed approach. Pay attention to how they react and change how often you reach out based on that.
Reminder Systems: Use tools like calendar alerts or apps like Trello to remind yourself when to check in with someone. It might seem a little mechanical, but it really helps you stay connected.
Social Media: Liking and commenting on their posts is a gentle way to stay in touch without needing a full conversation every time. It shows you care, even from afar.
Meet in Person: When you can, turn those online connections into real-life meetings. These are really valuable! Try to catch up over coffee once or twice a year with important contacts.
Create a Community: Having mutual friends can bring you closer. Organize small meetups or networking dinners to help everyone connect and stay engaged.
In short, keeping connections alive is about finding a balance that works for both you and the other person. Focus on meaningful interactions rather than just reaching out for the sake of it. Remember, relationships go both ways—paying attention to what your contacts need will help you build a strong network that benefits everyone.