Maintaining your network as you get busier is a challenge that many professionals will face as they manage to further their career. Over time, your responsibilities will typically increase with both life and work progressing, but this is when you could use those connections the most. Maintaining a beneficial network doesn’t require consistent heaps of effort, it instead requires consistency and a change in how you view professional relationships. Maintaining your network whilst getting busier starts by realising that networking is not separate from work, it actually helps your work, reputation and opportunities.
One of the main reasons why networks fail as individuals get busier is from the tunnel-vision like effect that busyness gives you. Deadlines, crazy schedules and plenty of upcoming events make meeting others feel optional, when this is again when it could help you out the most.
Prioritising relationships
A practical approach that you could go about sorting different individuals in your network is how often you will keep in contact with them. You could mentally group your network in order of the people you want to speak to regularly, occasionally and then those that you want to keep loosely connected to.
Maintaining a network as you get busier involves accepting that relationships naturally move on and allocating your time based on this will only improve your time management skills.
Leverage Technology
Technology has made networking with others easier than ever. Can you really be too busy to network when talking to someone has been made as easy as moving your fingers? Use common digital tools like calendar reminders, contact notes and different social media platforms to help keep people on your radar and you on others’.
Don’t let the simplicity of digital solutions take the authenticity out of your interactions though, be yourself.
Networking Does Have Seasons
There will be times where all your contacts want to discuss ideas and host gatherings, but there will similarly be times where it feels like no-one remembers you’re there. The key to maintaining a network while getting busier is consistently staying visible enough where you don’t need to rebuild relationships from scratch when you re-kindle them.
Quality Over Quantity
A well maintained, useful, but small network is always going to be more helpful to you than a massive book of weak ties. If you are starting out on your networking journey, have a high standard of company and find people who can actually benefit you.
(Here is how to create a networking plan if you are just starting out!)
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your network as you get busier comes down to intention; have positive intentions behind all professional and social interactions and people will reciprocate the energy.
By changing what staying in touch looks like and prioritising who you’re staying in touch with, you’ll have both meaningful interactions, and you won’t waste your time with the wrong contacts.
Nexus Networking – Contact Us:
If you would like to get in direct contact with our team, you can email through at info@nexusnetworking.co.uk Or call us on 01206 588 000
We look forward to hearing from you soon!