One of the most common pitfalls I see with networking is not doing it. So often I will be sitting down with a client and talking about who they know and a guilty look comes over their face;
"Oh I haven't been in touch with that person for ages." or
"The last time I spoke to them was when I was job hunting the last time." or
"We used to work side by side but she moved offices and I never kept in touch. "
Obviously the first piece of advice is never to let that happen. Keith Ferrazzi advises that you categorise everyone in your network, it can be as simple as:
A – someone who is a key part in helping you achieve current career / business goals. Be in touch (or ping them as he calls it) every 4-6 weeks.
B- someone who is good to know and will likely have an effect on your mid term career / business plans. Be in touch every 3 months.
C – someone in your network who you do not see being in your plans for the forseeable future. Connect once or twice a year.
Its always hard to make contact again. Here are three quick tips from the Harvard Business Review to get the ball rolling. 3 Steps for Getting Back in Touch. and if we are not connected yet on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter go to my recent post and lets get that done too!