If there is one lesson you’ve learned from your job search, it's that you should have done a better job keeping in touch with your past colleagues. Building a network from scratch is hard work, but you don’t have to start over. Just follow these suggestions to maintain your connections so they will be there the next time you need them:
1. Recognize the value your network offers. In order to feel motivated to stay in touch, you have to understand the "why" behind the logic. Wouldn’t it be great to hear about a job while employed? This is always the best-case scenario, and it will only happen if your contacts remember you and what your expertise is.
2. Schedule time on your calendar. There’s the old saying: “That which gets scheduled gets done.” It's easy to feel overwhelmed when you get so busy mastering your new job. Cut yourself some slack those first few months, but get right back to networking. Put time on your schedule every month to reach out to your contacts or attend a professional association meeting. READ MORE AT U.S. News & World Report
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