The New Year is the perfect time to touch base with the contacts in your network to see what they’re up to. Nowadays, it’s more important than ever to keep regular contact with those in your network and keep the relationships strong to keep referrals coming your way. The New Year provides you with the perfect natural opportunity to send a quick note saying hello. This is as simple as saying “Happy New Year! I would love to hear what you’ve been up to this year and what you have coming up in 2016.” Your contacts will likely appreciate the thought and personal message and reply. If they don’t reply, that’s ok too. You’re still building trust with them and staying in the front of their mind.
Here are five ways to touch base with your professional network:
Social media. Social media platforms offer an easy way to drop a quick note and have the added benefit of allowing you to share content directly with the people in your network. You can send interesting articles to the professionals who might find them relevant. LinkedIn keeps track of changes in your connections’ careers for a quick reference.
Email. Sending an email to someone is much more direct and personal than social media. Email is more likely to result in a back-and-forth conversation, so take advantage of it.
Phone calls. Sometimes a quick phone call is all it takes to catch up with your contacts.
Greeting cards. Cards can be an alternative to email when convenient or appropriate. Your contact will appreciate the time and thought. is most common but A simple handwritten note is all it takes. It can be to say thank you or even for a holiday.
Invite them out. Whether it’s lunch or just coffee, face-to-face communication is a great way build and maintain a relationship when you have the time. Aim to meet face-to-face with your contacts periodically when possible.
When you keep in touch with your professional network, they are much more likely to help you out. Maintain a genuine relationship with these people and the rest will flow easily.