How to maintain professional relationships

Hi there,

Honestly, I don't think one should live life only stating in touch with people that are "helpful". The people I stay in touch with are people I genuinely like being around. It just so happens some of these people are low level and some are high level. Some are in industries/jobs that end up being super helpful at one time and another, and some aren't. So what!

And, honestly, this approach has more benefits than anything. Why do you want to stay in touch with someone you don't like but just want to use? There are too many great people out in the world and too little time. People can tell if you're being phony or not and the best business opportunities come from your close friends/colleagues anyway!

People think networking means "knowing as many people as possible". It doesn't! It means having deep and strong relationships with people, and a reputation that preceeds you. People you can rely on and know well. The best network is one that doesn't feel like work.

That said, if you do want to maintain this network, nothing really beats an excel spreadsheet! Write down each person's name, where they work, what their "use" is, and have a column for when your next reach out needs to be. If you don't feel weird about this, I imagine it would be a good technique (though I can't speak from experience)

haha yep, I struggle with this even today! So my advice to you applies to me as well:

• I have been trying hard to remove "Whats in it for me" agenda. With this approach networking becomes a transaction and not a genuine desire to get to know someone & build a lasting relationship
• 20% rule- go for quality and not quantity. You wont get along with everyone. So, be proactive and reach out regularly to people you get on with. They will reciprocate for sure
• Dont hesitate and make contact. Dont hold yourself back
• Be prepared for disappointment along the way. You will let people down and vice versa

It's a great question that I tihnk many of thought of at some point in their careers. The advice I've always received and also given is to be genuine and adopt a style that makes you most comfortable. In such a network-driven society, I personally think it's completely ok to have an "outer circle" of your professional network where you have a slightly more "transactional" relationship based on individual needs. There's also only so many "virtual" coffees and catch ups one can have - I'm personally ok with people reaching out to me when they need something and when I can be helpful too.