You’ve done the hard part; you’ve started building your network. You’ve gone to events, joined groups, and connected with classmates, coworkers, and mentors. But once the introductions are over and the inbox quiets down, then what?
That’s where most professionals get stuck.
Networking isn’t just about meeting people; it’s about staying connected. The real power comes from nurturing those relationships over time and knowing how to rekindle them when they go quiet.
Here’s how to keep your professional relationships alive (and make reconnecting feel natural, not awkward).
The Forgotten Half of Networking
We tend to think of networking as something we do — go to a mixer, send a LinkedIn message, grab coffee. But the truth is, building connections is just step one. Maintaining them is what actually builds career momentum.
People lose touch for all kinds of reasons: new jobs, busy seasons, or simple forgetfulness. But staying connected doesn’t have to mean constant communication. It’s about showing genuine interest and consistency over time.
This requires a mindset shift. You don’t need to “work your network.” You just need to stay visible, curious, and kind. Small gestures like a comment, a congratulations, or a “thought of you” message, are often what keep you top of mind when opportunities appear.
How to Keep Your Network Alive
Networking maintenance should feel natural, not forced. Think of it as relationship upkeep — small, genuine check-ins that keep the conversation organic and alive.
Here are simple ways to build connection momentum:
Engage lightly but consistently. Comment on posts, reply to updates, or share something relevant to their work.
Celebrate milestones. Promotions, birthdays, new jobs, and career shifts are easy chances to reach out authentically.
Send resources. Share an article, event, or podcast they might enjoy — it shows you’re paying attention.
Check in with no agenda. A simple “Hey, how have you been?” is sometimes enough.
You don’t need to stay in constant contact to stay connected. A thoughtful quarterly check-in or quick note to share updates matters more than forced weekly messages. To make it easier, set gentle reminders to reconnect and keep a short list of contacts with notes about what you last talked about, so your follow-ups feel natural and personal.
How to Reconnect Authentically
We all have contacts we haven’t spoken to in a while, and reaching back out can feel awkward. But most people are happy to hear from you — especially when your message feels warm and genuine.
Try something simple:
“Hi [Name], it’s been a while since our time at [Company/School]. I’ve been following your work on [topic] and would love to catch up!”
“Hey [Name], I saw your recent post about [project] — it reminded me of our time working together. How have you been?”
A few quick tips:
Skip the apology. You don’t need to explain the time gap.
Reference something shared. A common experience or interest makes outreach feel natural.
Make it easy to respond. Suggest a quick chat, coffee, or simply say you’d love to reconnect.
If you’re exploring new opportunities, be open about it. Lead with respect and curiosity:
“I’ve always appreciated your insight on [topic] and would love your perspective as I explore next steps in [field].”
“I’m starting to look for roles in [industry] and thought of you — would you be open to a quick chat?”
Be specific but low-pressure. People want to help, especially when the relationship feels authentic. Keep it reciprocal: show interest in their work, offer support when you can, and let the connection grow naturally.
The Power of Staying in Touch
Once you’ve reconnected, don’t let it end there. Real relationships grow through consistent, genuine engagement, not constant contact. Follow up on shared conversations, celebrate others’ wins, share your own updates, and keep being curious by asking questions and exchanging ideas.
Networking isn’t about frequency; it’s about familiarity. When you show up authentically and consistently, people remember you — and that’s when opportunities open up. Building your network gets you started, but maintaining and reviving it keeps your career moving forward.
If you’re ready to take your professional relationships to the next level, our early-career coaches can help you craft the right outreach, build confidence in follow-ups, and strengthen both your network and your career.
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