3 simple waysto keep your network healthy

You’ve worked hard to establish a network of professional and social contacts. Now that you have these relationships in place, what can you do to get the most out of them and maintain a competitive professional edge?

Read on for 3 simple ways to keep your network healthy.

It’s easier to maintain your current network than it is to create a new one.

1.Maintain contact

It is important to actively seek out ways to keep in touch with your contacts every now and again. A simple thank

you, an ‘I thought this might interest you’, or an update of a major milestone in your life like getting a new job, are

all possibilities.

You can also connect with your contacts on LinkedIn to keep up to date with their career achievements or to like their updates and the articles they share (but only if

you genuinely do like what they’ve written). LinkedIn can be a great way to help you maintain your network.

Networking is a two-way street, so seek out opportunities to support your contacts.

2.Pay it

forward

Be prepared to provide assistance to others in your network. Referring contacts, passing on opportunities that you’re aware of and offering advice when it’s requested

are all great ways to pay it forward.

Once you get the hang of LinkedIn, you can also endorse the skills and recommend the talents of those in

your networks.

3.Always

be genuine

While a long list of contacts can seem impressive, don’t lose sight of the individuals who make up your network.

Your professional network is made up of family, friends, classmates, work colleagues and others you have met

along the way.

The easiest way to maintain your network is to have a genuine interest in the value of each of these people and

their accomplishments, just as you hope they have an interest in yours.

Remember, a strong network is about quality, not quantity, so maintain a genuine interest in the success and

progression of those in your network.

The more you put into maintaining your network, the more you will get out of it. A strong, active network of contacts can help you to maintain a competitive professional edge as well as providing a valuable source of support and guidance in your career.

To keep your network healthy,

1. Maintain contact2. Pay it forward

3. Always be genuine

Once you know how to manage your network and maintain your existing relationships, it’s time to think about opportunities to add to your professional network…

CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 29.3.9 11.2016 Graphics © Shutterstock.com

social.usq.edu.au

To help you make strong, genuine connections whenever the opportunity arises, check out the ‘Top 10 networking ideas’ on USQ Social Hub.