You must be wondering to move on and get a new lifestyle with changing your neighborhood and your company. Many of us forget what we leave behind and sometimes suffer for not keeping in touch. While working You have put a lot of time to maintain your professional network by going to conferences, attending industry events, and reaching out to people you admire. That is good but maintaining a circle is tough and not everyone is capable of doing it. Maintaining a thriving, active network takes time, planning, and even a bit of creativity. But if you put in the effort, the impact it will have on your career will be well worth it.
There can be several reasons for leaving a company, especially with behavioral issues. Around 40% of people say that the behavior of the boss towards them was not respectful. Thus, they leave the company. Around 30% leave a company as they get other big opportunities and less than 10% leave due to the colleague’s behavior towards them. So not many people leave due to the network they create.
Also Read: 7 Networking Habits of Highly Successful Entrepreneurs
It is important to keep your connections alive as you never know when you need them or when they want to seek your help. Keep yourself in a schedule of at least thinking of your connections. The work you have done must not go in vain.
We will share with you several tips to maintain your professional network even if you leave a company.
Enlist:
The first thing is to keep a list of your friends and network of people you invested your time in. For closer contacts, like a former mentor or key client you’ve worked with many times; don’t wait for them to post something online; some people just don’t participate in social media that way. Call them once a while or keep in touch by having coffee or lunch would be great.
Social media:
Almost everyone owns a social media account these days. A legit reason to spend time on Facebook and LinkedIn during the workday: The advantage of social media is that you can meet the person even after ages. 97% of people are on any of the social media sites. Do not hesitate to email them for a meeting or a coffee. I would suggest a day once a week or twice a month to visit them.
Also Read: How To Improve Your Networking Skills and Achieve Career Success
Coffee?
It is good practice to email these connections every few months to keep them fresh, see how they are doing, and follow up on any projects you worked on together. But seeing each other in person, if it is possible, is always preferable. An email is easily forgotten but meeting for lunch or even finding 20 minutes to meet for coffee creates a better environment for conversation and true connection. You want to be at the forefront of this person’s brain when they hear about an exciting new position or project, so set yourself apart by going out of your way to see them and do not just send an email.
Back up:
You now have greater empathy for those who are hunting for a new job. Remember how difficult your search was? There were days you were down and days you were up. Offer to help current job seekers by sharing your experience and lessons learned. Learn to give back the values which you were given with.
Don’t wait rather follow:
You’ve learned how time-consuming it is to maintain your professional network. When you have existing relationships, it feels much easier to ask for help, advice, or information. This is why it is so important to continue to nurture and grow your network for long-term career success. It is important to prioritize connections. Someone you met at a party once and got their business card could be important but there are only so many hours in a day to follow up with people and your lasting connections should take precedence.
Also Read: Steps To Achieve Career Advancement and Reach the Next Level
Chit chat no business:
Networking is not asking everyone you know for a job when you network you should never ask someone for a job. You should ask people for information that will assist you in your job search. Your main networking goal should be to build a relationship and establish rapport so when a potential opportunity may arise in the future, your contact may be willing to refer you. It is not about what you gain from them. Just meet the people without any requirements.
Be Present for them:
When they ask you for a meetup plan or any help, be there for them. They meet you or maybe you are the only one they need you. Share any knowledge you feel would be useful for them. Track on what you learn about your contacts so your future correspondence can have a personalized touch.
Keep it alive:
The most difficult part is not creating a friendship but maintaining a friendship. Keep your investments alive. That will enhance your reputation in the industry.
Maintaining your professional network is not easy. It required your time and strength to follow up. Keep it alive. Not for your sake but for the sake of doing well. It will help you in every matter.
Over 400,000 subscribers love MetroYak. Promote your voice in a highly targeted, personalized way using Promoted Content.
Share your requirements at: hello@metroyak.com
