PTT: Keeping in Touch

Professional Tip Tuesday

Keeping in touch with people in your network.

I thought this would be a good professional tip to start out with because this can be incredibly difficult! There are certain people that tend to have a natural knack for this sort of thing. Props to them - but it never seems as easy as they make it look. 

I think this is especially relevant as a recent grad. Even though you might be moving away or starting something new, those connections you made in college can be extremely important throughout your professional life!

Today I am just focusing on first steps for staying connected.

So today's tip... In the months following graduation, take a few minutes and write to any important contacts. 

1) Why are you writing? Figure out the main purpose of the message you intend to send out. 

• The first message is easy - your network is interested in what's up next for you! This also gives you the opportunity to update them on your changing contact information. 

**Figuring out why to write can be one of the hardest parts of staying connected. Some good opportunities to write include: new jobs, promotions, moving, or even just to tell them about a book or article they might enjoy! 

2) Who are you writing? Make a list of all the contacts you have had over the past few years. 

• This gives you the chance to make a solid list of anyone you plan to stay in touch with in the future. You might send a select few a more personal update, and the rest a more generic email blast (still consider making it somewhat personalized!). 

**This is a great time to go ahead and make a master document with all contacts. Maybe use an Excel spreadsheet and group them in a way that makes most sense. A good tip is to include a few columns that remind you when you last talked, what it concerned, and through what type of communication method. 

3) What to write? In addition to telling them what's next after graduation, what else do you include? 

• The message can be short and sweet. Ideally you want to make them feel connected to what you are doing next. Make them feel good! This could be as simple as thanking them for an opportunity that served as a stepping stone or complimenting a personal attribute that you admire (and how it has helped you in some way). 

4) How to write? Decide how you want to connect with them.

• LinkedIn or email could be the easiest way to send a quick update. BUT if you want to make it even more personal, consider sending a handwritten card. This is much more memorable and then you can include a business card or personal card with your email, phone number, address, etc. 

5) When to follow up? What should you expect after you have written?

• After you have written, you might receive a short message in return. But if you don't hear from them, do not get discouraged! The people you are networking with are probably busy professionals. They appreciate your update but may not get a chance to respond.
• Consider sending a very short reminder email the week before your old contact information is set to change. 
  i.e. "Hi Bill, I just wanted to send you a quick note to remind you that my contact information is officially changing next week. Below is my new email, phone number, and address. Looking forward to keeping in touch - hope all is well! Thanks, Anna"

**Reach out to your network when it is appropriate. For most general contacts, you might only talk to them 1-2 times a year. With closer contacts, it might be closer to 3-4 times a year. 

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Hope you found this Professional Tip Tuesday helpful! What techniques have you used to keep in touch? Comment below!