A question about networking - how to maintain connections
When I was looking for a job, I networked left and right with alumni connections and friends, friend of friends, etc. A good 80-90% of emails led to phone conversations... a few led to interviews. Regardless, I always followed up with a thank you letter.
6 months later - I managed to get a finance job. I have sent a few alumni 'update emails' to let them know where I am, and got a few responses. But I probably only sent it to 10% of the people I talked to. I'm not looking for a job, but maybe a year or two down the line... so I'd like to stay in touch with them. So if something comes up, they'll think of me.
I was wondering if I should reach out to the rest of my one or two-time phone conversations w/ alums? Tell them where I am, thank them again for their advice, wishing to stay in touch. Would it look really insincere since it's been so long (anywhere from 6 -12mos)? Or would they not care? Is there a way to rebuild these one-time connections into something more?
How have people maintained connections they've made? How often should you send update emails, and such?
Thanks
You should reconnect with those you had one or two conversations with. A simple e-mail by saying thank you for your advice, etc.. etc... Your advice helped me receive an offer at XYZ company where I currently work. I can be reached at [your XYZ.COM>[email protected]].
This way, you can reach out to them in the future.
Thanks for responding Alpha.
Well I had at least one conversation with many of them (not including email exchange). I guess I'm just asking... it's 6mth to almost a year later. Does it look weird that I update them now? As opposed to right after I got my job?
im in the same situation and curious to learn the same. i reached out last year around this time and followed up then, but havent been in touch for a good 10months with those alums
Yeah I third these guys' question. If you haven't had a reason to reach out -- and I mean literally couldn't find one except maybe a holliday email -- for 6-8mo or so, is it ok to call/email saying "I know its been a while, but I got a job/offer/interview that I wanted to run by you"?
IMO yes, because at least you have something to talk about. I've taken that exact route before.
^^ I'm guessing from Prospie's post that they won't likely respond back to a general 'update' email... but only reply if we have a question they can answer?
Same question. Sent out update emails- received 0 replies back. Got me to think that they couldn't really care less about these updates.
^ i would say something like can we grab lunch/coffee together when you get a minute after the update. If you only give the update, the only thing that people can say is congrats. You need to give them a topic/chance to respond.
You should definitely reach out to these contacts and touch base with them. While it's been several months, you've got some genuine news to share and should reach back out to extend your appreciation. Essentially I would craft the email to include: 1) a thank you again for all of their help and insight, 2) let them know of your news and that you got an analyst/associate position with bank X or boutique Y, 3) provide them with updated contact information and finally, 4) ask them a question about group culture or something relevant to your situation as a new analyst - maybe something on fitting in with the team or some such thing. Point 4 provides the channel for more than a simple "congratulations and good luck" email, while at the same time catching up with an alum/former contact and keeping the connection going.
Remember, this business is built on networking and maintaining contacts - just as you are an analyst now and in a few years you might want to call on them - they might be an analyst or associate now (for example), but in a few years they might be calling on their contacts for potential opportunities, one contact of which could be you. It's all a two-way street and just as you might want to leverage your network, so too might your contacts down the line. There is definitely incentive for them to send a quick email to you just as you did for them now that you've landed a comparable position - make the first move, send out the email, and keep it going.
From this point on, try not to let the connection completely fall apart and send occasional emails every few months just to touch base. Good luck.
But what happen if you get an offer from BB, and your contact is in a boutique. You run the risk of pissing him off by sending such 'show-off' email (at least he might think this way)...
Thank you BankonBanking that is a great answer
Staying in contact with casual connections (Originally Posted: 10/09/2012)
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Next time you are up their way email them and see if they wanna do drink and do crazy shit again.
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I'm in a similar predicament, while interning as an FX Analyst for an Fortune 50 this summer, i got a chance to meet a lot of bankers while in meetings and got their business cards, but i don't know the rules of how to contact them. These are managing directors/ assistant directors- i'm pretty sure i can't send them a message going 'hey so.... remember me from that meeting? can i get an internship?' ... any ideas on an appropriate way to contact these guys without sounding like a pest?
Thank you BankonBanking. I'm going to send out those emails. I guess the only thing I'm stuck on is #4... but I'm sure I'll think of something.
Networking Question - Common Problem - SB Award (Originally Posted: 08/01/2011)
If I have emailed with someone in the past (say 3 months ago or longer), but have not been in contact since then, should I reply to a past email they have sent so they see the email thread or should I just email them separately and remind them of our past conversations?
I have had success replying to past emails, but I don't think either way can hurt. If you start a fresh email just make sure they remember who you are.
Reply to the past email. It will a) show them that you have spoken before and b) give them a chance to read through what you talked about and catch back up since they probably won't remember what you have already discussed.
Staying in contact with alum (Originally Posted: 12/06/2009)
This may seem like a stupid question, but since I go to a complete nontarget, I want to keep my relationships (or I guess what you would call a relationship) with alum as strong as possible. If nothing really new has come up since last contact about a month ago, it is okay to just send an email letting him new the job search isn't easy but still going at it aggressively. Express you appreciation for his advice a few month back and wish him a happy holidays? Don't want to seem like a kiss ass or nuisance. Thanks.
ask him what hes working on. demonstrates some interest in what hes doing without kissing too much ass
Send the email.
The email won't hurt
Keeping in contact (Originally Posted: 04/04/2008)
I have accepted a summer internship with a bank, after interviewing and meeting the team on the trading floor on a couple of occasions. I start at the end of June. How regularly should I be touching base with the trader who offered me a place on her desk? I'm keen to build a good relationship, but wary about appearing over eager or being annoying to them. Will a phone call perhaps every month until I start suffice?
I think a phone call (while the market is closed) every month or so is acceptable but anything more than that is probably excessive. I would keep the conversation to anything I can do to better prepare and how bout those Yanks?
Networking and Maintaining/Developing Professional Relationships as a Student (Originally Posted: 12/30/2015)
I was wondering if there were any networking threads on WSO that specifically focus on effective networking as a student. I'd also like to know how to maintain and develop professional relationships as a student so that they become more 'fruitful' in the future.
Are there any good networking threads that specifically focus on this? Many of the networking threads I've come across seem very generic and vague.
geoffblades If you have time, I'm sure many of us younger guys would appreciate a thread on this?
No need. You're not going to be getting an interview if you've been as annoying as you have been in the politics thread. Your pretentious mannerisms are going to get you an auto-ding even if have an IQ of over 9000
Interesting topic but i don't think there is any answer to your question. relationships are about exchanging value. as a junior you don't have anything to offer except making them feel good about their careers for a few mins. an approach that has its limits. so besides finding some of these folks who voluntarily enlist to procure mentorship for students from their ex-uni creating sustainable relationships would be a very ambitious endeavor. fortunately i don't think that is required. (says the guy who's still looking for an internship :( )
Maintaining your network (Originally Posted: 08/05/2014)
So say you have met someone and added them to your network. What would you say to that person from time to time to keep in touch and maintain that relationship?
There's no formula, dude. Try to make a friend (I'm not saying you have no friends, I'm saying trying try to make a friend out of the people you add to your network). Much easier to get along with and stay in touch with someone if you're friends - that way, you can talk about anything (maybe you're both sports fans?) and when recruiting comes around, the contact will want to throw their friend's name in the ring and will push for you, rather than just forwarding your resume and telling HR 'some guy I met.'
It works - as an example, I was an intern who received a return offer from my group last summer, and there were hiring externally - I happened to meet someone I got along with at an event and then randomly found out he was interviewing at my bank, and that weekend I went out to meet the guys I worked with for a few drinks and recommended this guy. There were 3-4 people in contention for the offer, but (at least partly based on my recommendation) they hired him, and I get to work with a friend next year.
TL;DR - become friends with them and make them want to work with you. Say/do whatever you think is effective as a way to make friends.
Keeping up with contacts (Originally Posted: 02/24/2012)
Developing and maintaining relationships is such an important part of investment banking, as well as general business practice. As a recent graduate searching for an IB analyst role, I am constantly networking, cold calling/emailing, etc. and am utilizing excel to keep track of who and when I contact people. This is very tedious and time-consuming; are there any other tools or programs designed to better track this information?
As always thank you everyone for all of your help.
How often do you lose them? Just be careful when you put them in your eyes, and cover your sink drain with a paper towel to make sure they don't fall into the drain. And eventually I'd look into lasik surgery but that's just me.
that's funny because
First we sky dive out of Airforce one because president ford told us to "get off his plane". Then we land nicely on my speed boat driven by Charlies Angels and gulp down some mimosas real fast so there's time to put on our leather jackets and jump the shark. The crowd goes wild(I'm kind of a big deal). Magnanimous man that i am, i wave my muscled arm and smile my chiseled jaw. Laughing my hearty laugh, i tell you to wait as i fetch my Lamborghini. You wait with baited breath as i zoom towards you. Just as you start to fear obliteration, I turn the wheel sharply and do a barrel roll right above you. Only this isn't just any barrel roll. I hand you a rose as our paths cross and eyes meet. The car slides to a graceful stop and i gesture for you to get in. We drive of to the island's summit where my helicopter to Jurassic Park awaits. We've spared no expenses
sign up for a free CRM (google it)
Reach back out to an Investment Banker (Originally Posted: 11/13/2012)
Gentlemen,
I did some networking over the summer and met a few bankers at BB's who I had great conversations with. I am in the process of reaching back out to them and can't really think about what to say. I want to keep the message as short as possible. Ideally, I would like to meet with them again sometime over winter break for a chat.
Do I give them an update on what I've been up to (will they even read this?)
What else should I say? Should I ask them about small things I remember from our meeting (IE, one of them was leaving for a trip to Dubai, should I ask them how it was?) Ask them about deals they are currently working on? Anything else?
I may be over thinking this, but I don't want to f**k up a good relationship by wasting their time.
Thanks guys.
I would just say hope everything is going well since we last spoke. Mentioning the trip to Dubai could be good, but I wouldn't ask any questions in the email. Just an introduction and that you were hoping they'd have time to meet up with you sometime in the next few weeks. Don't think too much into it because I doubt they will.
Saying something from your conversation will come across weird since it's been a few months, unless of course you can relate it to the present like something you saw in the news or their business, etc... Be like how have things been going. I read an article about the bank or I saw some news on the sector....
This gives the conversation something to go off of. Unless you have a solid relationship, I wouldn't ask for a sit down immediately because the guy will know exactly what you're looking for. Have some back and forth banter going before you ask for the sit down. The natural progression will be totally less awkward than a cold sit down request.
Touching Base with Contacts (Originally Posted: 01/21/2009)
Being from a nontarget school, when do you suggest I start touching base with my contacts if I haven't heard from the bank about a first round interview?
i suggest you holler at your contacts over at Barings plc
The world has changed. And we must change with it.
I would get on that ASAP... first rounds have definitely already started.
NEVER lose your BlackBerry www.conveniencesoftware.com
Just don't go past third base.
Following up with contacts (Originally Posted: 11/06/2010)
Does anyone have a good idea of what to say to contacts when following up with them after a month or so? For example, you meet someone at an event, follow up with them the next day. Now you want to keep yourself on the person's radar, so you decide to follow up after a month. What do you say?
Don't over think it. Just try and put yourself in that persons' shoes and say what you think would be the least awkward thing to hear .The other thing is that everyone has to go through this sort of thing when they're starting out or networking so people tend to be pretty gracious about the whole thing.
how to reach back out to this one manager I met before? (Originally Posted: 07/26/2013)
I was invited to a company's open house event late last year. It was quite packed but I did get some business cards with no intention of anything as the company didn't have any openings at the time. A few months later, I decided to send this guy an email with my resume attached asking if he knew of any opportunities on his team. He replied cordially saying he's been busy and that the company hasn't hired anyone in his group since the beginning of the year. He also gave me the name of the HR person who would have a better idea of any current and future openings. There's obviously missing some connection and I feel that he won't be willing to help out much as he doesn't really know me.
I recently found on the company's job board that his group is hiring someone. It fits my background quite well and I would like to leverage this contact if possible. What do you guys think? What should I say in the email to have a fighting chance?
Don't just say, "Hey, I saw an opening for your group on your firms website. Here's my resume. Can I have the position?"
Start off with a conversational piece. Start off with how you talked about his group previously and now you are just following up and seeing how it is doing now. If he replies back then I would ask him if he knows anything about that position.
how should I phrase the email exactly? He gave a presentation about his group at the open house but I never talked about it with him so I'm not sure what to say. I just want to give it a shot even though it probably won't make a difference.
Like Skinnayyy said, build the relationship with this guy more; that way he will get to know you better and be willing to help you. Of course it seems time is a factor, so you may have to move quickly with this suggestion.
bump
desperate times call for desperate measures
bump
anyone else?
I sent him an email but I didn't ask questions about this group. I was going to but I noticed that the job ad disappeared already. Since he is part of that group, I asked him if he knew about the current status of that position. Was this a poor move? Best case scenario would be that the position is still open that he may ask for my resume. Worst case scenario is that I get ignored.
keep us posted
I sent that email on friday morning and still have not gotten a response. I am so sick of cold emailing thinking it will help but rarely any do. I am just gonna forget about this position
Reach back out to an Investment Banker (Originally Posted: 11/13/2012)
Gentlemen,
I did some networking over the summer and met a few bankers at BB's who I had great conversations with. I am in the process of reaching back out to them and can't really think about what to say. I want to keep the message as short as possible. Ideally, I would like to meet with them again sometime over winter break for a chat.
Do I give them an update on what I've been up to (will they even read this?)
What else should I say? Should I ask them about small things I remember from our meeting (IE, one of them was leaving for a trip to Dubai, should I ask them how it was?) Ask them about deals they are currently working on? Anything else?
I may be over thinking this, but I don't want to f**k up a good relationship by wasting their time.
Thanks guys.
Touching Base with Contacts (Originally Posted: 01/21/2009)
Being from a nontarget school, when do you suggest I start touching base with my contacts if I haven't heard from the bank about a first round interview?
Following up with contacts (Originally Posted: 11/06/2010)
Does anyone have a good idea of what to say to contacts when following up with them after a month or so? For example, you meet someone at an event, follow up with them the next day. Now you want to keep yourself on the person's radar, so you decide to follow up after a month. What do you say?
how to reach back out to this one manager I met before? (Originally Posted: 07/26/2013)
I was invited to a company's open house event late last year. It was quite packed but I did get some business cards with no intention of anything as the company didn't have any openings at the time. A few months later, I decided to send this guy an email with my resume attached asking if he knew of any opportunities on his team. He replied cordially saying he's been busy and that the company hasn't hired anyone in his group since the beginning of the year. He also gave me the name of the HR person who would have a better idea of any current and future openings. There's obviously missing some connection and I feel that he won't be willing to help out much as he doesn't really know me.
I recently found on the company's job board that his group is hiring someone. It fits my background quite well and I would like to leverage this contact if possible. What do you guys think? What should I say in the email to have a fighting chance?
Networking Emails (Originally Posted: 07/27/2009)
I want to send an old boss from my internship a nice networking email asking how he is doing. It may help me get staffed on a project I want and he thought I was a straight baller.
Any suggestions? This could be a good thread for consulting employees looking to do something similar so please reply!
If he is an old boss (meaning a past boss from past employment as I understand it), how would he staff you on a project?
If, on the other hand, you have moved around over the course of your internship, and he is part of your firm, just in a different group, then you could theoretically be staffed on one of his/her projects, but I would tread softly there. Considering you are now in another group, he probably has other interns to staff on projects, and I'm assuming your group might be annoyed (if you are indeed as good as you claim) or even angered by the idea that you are getting staffed on other projects for an old boss, and that you asked for it almost implying that you don't find their work interesting or worthwhile.
Can it be done, I suppose so, but it is definitely risky, especially as an intern without a FT offer yet (I'm assuming), just to get access to a project you heard about. Touching base with your old boss to keep the connection alive for FT recruiting, or to be placed in his/her group FT is one thing, but dropping your team to pick up another group's project is definitely not the same thing. Then again, I may just be missing something here.
IBanker www.BankonBanking.com [email protected] Articles, News, Advice and More Break Into Investment Banking
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