Email Networking - Staying Connected with Contacts?

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some detailed steps and advice on how to stay connected with old contacts through LinkedIn and email:

Adding Old Contacts on LinkedIn

1. Personalized Connection Request:

   • When sending a connection request, always personalize it. Mention the context of your previous interaction to jog their memory.
   • Example message: Hi contact, This is Name. We chatted [X TIME] ago during the bank recruitment cycle. I realized that I never connected with you on LinkedIn and would love to stay in touch here. Thanks again for all the support and guidance you gave me. Have a great day.

2. Follow-Up Content:

   • Once connected, engage with their posts or share relevant content that might interest them. This keeps you on their radar without being intrusive.

Email Networking

1. Regular Updates:

   • Send periodic updates about your career progress or interesting industry news. This keeps the connection warm and shows that you value their guidance.
   • Example update email: Hi contact, I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to share a quick update on my end. I recently started an internship at [NEW COMPANY], and it's been a fantastic learning experience so far. I remember our conversation about [SPECIFIC TOPIC], and your advice has been incredibly helpful. Looking forward to staying in touch and perhaps catching up soon. Best regards, [YOUR NAME]

2. Congratulatory Messages:

   • If you notice they have moved to a new firm or achieved a milestone, send a congratulatory email. It shows that you are attentive and genuinely interested in their career.
   • Example congratulatory email: Hi contact, I recently saw that you have moved to [NEW FIRM]. Congratulations on the new role! I’m sure you’ll do great things there. I’d love to hear more about your new position and how things are going. Best, [YOUR NAME]

Balancing Email and LinkedIn

• LinkedIn for Long-Term Connections:

  • Use LinkedIn to maintain long-term connections, especially if you lose access to their email.
  • It’s a good backup for when people change jobs and their email addresses change.

• Email for Immediate Communication:

  • Use email for more immediate and direct communication, especially for detailed updates or specific requests.

General Tips

• Be Consistent but Not Overbearing:

  • Regularly touch base, but don’t overwhelm them with too many messages. Gauge their responsiveness and adjust accordingly.

• Value-Driven Communication:

  • Ensure that your communications are valuable to them. Share insights, articles, or opportunities that might interest them.

By following these steps, you can effectively stay connected with your network, leveraging both LinkedIn and email to maintain and strengthen your professional relationships.

Sources: How do you continue a linkedin relationship?, How to reach out to old contacts?, Ideas for improving your coffee chat conversion rate, LinkedIn Importance, Networking Problem