One common refrain among FirstGen Ahead students is the need to establish and maintain existing professional relationships. But, how do you genuinely go about this and not appear self-serving? In addition to asking coaches and mentors for advice on what has successfully worked for them in establishing and maintaining their professional networks, here are three tips to consider:
Reach out on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media. Whether it’s a simple “like” button, a short “So excited for you!” congratulations message on an accomplishment, or a reposting, this puts your name on their radar and it is not obtrusive. Plus, you may also be noticed by their own contacts, which could be beneficial in the future.
Send quarterly email check-ins to closer contacts. This allows you to ask about them about important professional developments in their lives, as well as giving you an opportunity to update them on your own developments. If you see an article of interest or another beneficial resource, you can lead with that as a motivation to reach out.
Show your gratitude. When it comes to praise, there’s no expiration date! If one of your contacts provides a valuable lesson, introduces you to a new contact, or is helpful in other ways, show your appreciation through an e-mail or, better still, a handwritten note; a social media post can be appropriate as well.
If a professional contact is super busy, you can still send a periodic email or leave a voice message and add, “No need to respond.” This shows you care and are checking in but gives them permission to not follow up with you. However, if you’re asking a specific question and reached out three times without a response, then it is time to move on.
