How often should you follow up with your network?

Manter uma rede de networking ativa é essencial para o crescimento profissional. A frequência do acompanhamento pode variar, mas uma boa regra é entrar em contato a cada três a quatro meses. Isso pode ser por meio de um e-mail, uma ligação ou um encontro pessoal. No entanto, o mais importante é que o contato seja significativo, focado no relacionamento, e não apenas quando você precisa de algo. Lembre-se, o networking é uma via de mão dupla, então esteja pronto para oferecer ajuda também.

a) In my experience, having a clear purpose when following up with your network is fundamental. This helps make each interaction meaningful and avoids unnecessary contacts. b) In my career, I always follow up with contacts to share relevant information or specific collaboration opportunities. This shows that I value their time and strengthens the professional relationship.

Networking is about relationships, not just leveraging contacts. This distinction is crucial. Networking leads to mentorship, coaching, and support—it's a two-way street. Timing your follow-ups depends on these relationships. Establish regular touchpoints and agree on the frequency, duration, and mode of contact with the other party. This builds trust and mutual respect. Before reaching out, be clear on your goal—whether it's updating progress, seeking advice, or sharing information. Remember, relationships are the foundation of successful networking. Build them with care and consistency. Lastly, your value proposition should be clear. Offer your help and support as you would in any other relationship.

Hit 'em up quarterly. Your network is your net worth. Like a good investor, check in regularly—but don’t be needy. A quarterly cadence shows you’re on the ball, not on their back. Make each touch count: share a quick win, ask a sharp question, offer a relevant intro. Keep it tight, bright, and to the point. This isn’t just networking—it’s net-wielding.

The frequency of follow-ups with your network should strike a balance between staying connected and respecting their time. One can tailor the timing based on the nature of the relationship, industry norms, and the context of previous interactions. For closer connections or mentors, more frequent updates may be appropriate, while for professional relationships, it is a good practice to check in every 3 to 6 months. I think, regular and thoughtful communication helps keep the relationship active without appearing intrusive or overly demanding.

When following up with your network, always respect their time. Be concise and to the point in your communication. Avoid long-winded messages and get straight to the reason for your outreach. Acknowledge their busy schedule by suggesting flexible times for a meeting or call, and always express gratitude for their time and attention. By being mindful of their time constraints, you show professionalism and increase the likelihood of a positive response.

Quand je rencontre une nouvelle personne, je la recontacte dans les 48h. Je remercie pour notre rencontre + lui indique qu'elle peut me solliciter + lui partage mes ressources (facultatif). Je relance à J+10 uniquement si cette personne m'avait indiqué vouloir continuer les échanges.

Respetar el tiempo del contacto es clave. Para ello es recomendable mensajes cortos y directos con la herramienta que al contacto le resulte más práctica y siempre priorizando la premisa fundamental del networking: "dar para recibir"

Technology has solved this a lot. All you have to do is to set reminders in your calendar on follow up schedules. A follow up with context of earlier conversation and where you leftit at - is amazing to jog the memory of the person you want to engage with (else they are always trying to remember the context - and just end up rejecting your request)

Ideally, you should follow up with your network every few months to keep the connection going strong without coming across as obtrusive. The nature of your relationship and the circumstances surrounding your most recent interaction may influence the frequency. By changing up your approach, you can maintain a lively and interesting dialogue. You may, for example, drop them a quick note or email to see how they're doing, provide a resource or article that could be of interest, or leave a remark on one of their social media updates. Arranging sporadic coffee dates or online get-togethers can also provide a human touch. Being sincere and mindful of their time and interests is crucial.

To keep your follow-ups engaging and avoid monotony, vary your methods of communication. Use a mix of emails, phone calls, social media messages, and in-person meetings to connect with your network. Different methods can convey different levels of urgency and personalization. For instance, a quick email might suffice for a brief update, while a phone call or face-to-face meeting could be more appropriate for detailed discussions. Varying your methods helps maintain interest and demonstrates your adaptability in maintaining professional relationships.

From my professional perspective, the best way to network as an in-house counsel is by participating in associations and events focused on professional growth. Attending conferences, seminars, and workshops hosted by in-house counsel associations helps you meet peers, share insights, and stay updated on industry trends. For example, annual meetings of these associations offer opportunities to connect with collaborators, learn about legal trends, and discuss best practices. Joining specialized groups within these associations, such as those for compliance, ESG or intellectual property, allows for exchanging strategies and experiences, enhancing your knowledge and reputation in the legal community.

I fully support the idea of using various methods and platforms to keep networking interactions fresh and engaging. Matching the method to the purpose and relationship is key. Whether it's through email, text message, LinkedIn message, phone call, video call, or handwritten note, each communication channel offers unique opportunities to connect effectively. Additionally, inviting contacts to different types of events, such as virtual or in-person gatherings, coffee chats, lunch meetings, or webinars, adds diversity and depth to your networking efforts. Personalization is crucial; for instance, a handwritten note might be more impactful for expressing gratitude, while a phone call could be more suitable for a long-lost contact.

Utilizing different methods and platforms not only prevents monotony but also tailors your approach to suit the context and the relationship. For instance, a handwritten note for expressing gratitude can leave a lasting impression, while a phone call or video chat can rekindle a connection with a more personal touch. Inviting a contact to events or meetings can provide opportunities for deeper interaction and collaboration. The key is to be thoughtful and deliberate, ensuring that your chosen method aligns with your purpose and strengthens the relationship. This multifaceted approach can make your follow-ups more meaningful and effective, enhancing your professional network on LinkedIn.

El seguimiento con tu red debe ser un equilibrio cuidadoso entre frecuencia y calidad. Un aspecto clave de este seguimiento es agregar valor y mostrar gratitud. Demostrar que aprecias el tiempo, atención y apoyo de tu red, y que tienes algo valioso que ofrecer a cambio, fortalece las relaciones. Puedes agregar valor compartiendo información relevante, recursos, oportunidades, presentaciones, comentarios, cumplidos o referencias. Hacer preguntas reflexivas, ofrecer ayuda o expresar interés genuino en sus proyectos y desafíos también es fundamental. Cuanto más valor y gratitud aportes, más probable es que respondan positivamente y mantengan el contacto, creando una red sólida y recíproca.

As long as you can offer your network added value, there is no limit. However, always remember that you should know your target group and not produce unnecessary content that is not needed just so that you appear permanently in the network. Always look for added value. If this is not present, take a break, regroup, observe the network and reassess what you can possibly contribute as added value.

When following up, go beyond a mere "thanks" and actually add value. You're not just a taker; be a giver. Think, "What can I do for them?" Maybe it’s a relevant article or a helpful introduction. This isn't just about being polite—it's strategic. It turns a one-time meeting into a potential partnership. This is how you build a robust network, not by collecting contacts but by cultivating relationships where gratitude meets utility. Remember, relationships are investments—provide returns.

Los pequeños "gestos" generan impactos enormes y construyen lazos sólidos en las relaciones. Es crucial esforzarse por hacer que la otra persona se sienta especial.

I don't think there's a magic number but a few touches a year with your network by focusing on quality interactions, offering value like articles or congratulations, and expressing gratitude to keep connections warm and build lasting relationships.

Track and evaluate your networking efforts with the precision of a seasoned navigator charting a course across uncharted waters. Implement a systematic approach, akin to a meticulous scientist recording observations in a lab notebook. Monitor the outcomes of your interactions, noting which methods yield the most fruitful results and which require adjustment. Just as a skilled detective sifts through evidence to uncover the truth, analyze your progress to identify areas for improvement and refinement. By tracking and evaluating your networking endeavors, you gain valuable insights that inform future strategies, ensuring continued growth and success in cultivating meaningful connections.

A lot of people don't recognise networking as a marketing activity so they don't often track their return. People network for lots of different reasons so the goals can be very different from person to person. But if you are expecting something from your networking time it is important to write that down and plan for how you will achieve it. At the very least track the events and people where you get the best return and then you'll know where to put the majority of your effort.

Always be on it, like a hawk on its prey. Networking isn't a once-a-year holiday card; it's about meaningful interactions. Track your contacts, sure, but don’t be robotic. Hit the sweet spot: frequent enough to stay on the radar, infrequent enough to avoid annoyance. Evaluate the strength and context of each relationship; it dictates the tempo. Remember, value delivery is key. Every interaction should either provide value or reinforce your bond. Stay sharp, stay relevant.

On a la possibilité, grâce à des applications simples, de créer un suivi, par exemple avec un fichier modèle ou encore sur Notion, pour voir l'état de votre relation avec un contact. Cela permet de savoir si vous devez prendre des nouvelles de cette personne, le sujet de votre dernière conversation, ainsi que ses besoins actuels ect..

On peut commencer avec un simple excel / google sheet. Voici les colonnes que je recommande : Non-Prénom-intitulé LinkedIn // Catégorie // Entreprise // Résumé rapide avec contexte et date de la rencontre // Prochaines étapes

You should follow up often, as long as you've got value to add or something of relevance to say. Following up should add value to your contact and shouldn't just be a touch-base exercise. This will only waste their time and potentially make them frustrated with you. Always remind yourself of previous conversations and check social media platforms like LinkedIn to see what they have been up to recently, so you can mention this within your discussions.

Be respectful when networking. People can tell from 'a mile away' if you're asking about a job. I find it most helpful when contacting someone to ask them what they like about their job - people always love to talk about themselves

J'aime beaucoup le point de vue de Judy Robinett qui, pour un résultat optimal, encourage tout un chacun à se rendre visible et present : - une fois par jour aupres de ses 5 contacts incontournables - une fois par semaine auprès de ses 50 contacts pro/perso essentiels - une fois par mois auprès de ses 100 contacts pro/perso les plus importants Je préconise pour ma part d'adapter quelque peu cette périodicité qui est plus destinée à des networkers de compétition qu'à des networkers occasionnels ! (une fois par semaine pour les 5 incontournables, une fois par mois pour les 50 essentiels, une fois par trimestre pour les 100 plus importants). Ce qui compte avant tout c'est la régularité des contacts auprès d'une cible choisie et sélectionnée

Para poder hacer un buen y sobre todo "diferente" seguimiento, interésate por obtener información relevante del contacto. Seguro que de esta manera, los motivos de contacto casi "saldrán solos"