Love how you emphasized on the more intimate nature of networking! And I agree wholeheartedly with what you are saying- similarity in both affinity and career stage fosters stronger connections, and makes your network that much stronger. My question is whether you have any tips on how to sustain these relationships over a long period of time. I imagine you might address this later, but I’ve found that it’s hard to keep in touch with other of my close networking acquaintances without awkwardness. In addition, what do you think about cold-calling methods to network?
Such good questions, and I personally struggle a lot with this too!
1. From my personal exp, people LOVE to hear what you have learned/achieved. I think an email every year (depending how much you want to update them) saying "thank you" + where you are now compared to when you talked to them would do just great!
2. I think cold-calling is good, as long as you have good reasons to contact them (e.g. your background matches and they are at a role you want to pivot in!")
Love how you emphasized on the more intimate nature of networking! And I agree wholeheartedly with what you are saying- similarity in both affinity and career stage fosters stronger connections, and makes your network that much stronger. My question is whether you have any tips on how to sustain these relationships over a long period of time. I imagine you might address this later, but I’ve found that it’s hard to keep in touch with other of my close networking acquaintances without awkwardness. In addition, what do you think about cold-calling methods to network?
Such good questions, and I personally struggle a lot with this too!
1. From my personal exp, people LOVE to hear what you have learned/achieved. I think an email every year (depending how much you want to update them) saying "thank you" + where you are now compared to when you talked to them would do just great!
2. I think cold-calling is good, as long as you have good reasons to contact them (e.g. your background matches and they are at a role you want to pivot in!")
Thank you for the great question Ting!!
Can't wait to see your part 3!!!!