If you had a successful networking event, it’s not the time to bask in its success. It’s time to do the follow-ups! Your networking is only as successful as your follow-ups and attention to detail. Do you want to hear that phone ring and get those email inquiries? Then you have to do a few things to make sure that they happen. Here’s what you can do to get started:
1. When making a positive contact, always nail down the proper instructions for following up. Ask the best time to contact them via phone or would emailing be better. Let them know based on that information when you will get back with them and then actually do so. Establishing that you follow your promise starts a great positive relationship.
2. Follow-up with all leads that another networking contact passes along, even if it may not be quite the fit you are hoping for. If your networking contact discovers you did not follow through, you may not get future help from them. Treat every lead seriously because you may never know if their next one will be “the one!”
3. Contact your references to let them know each time you use their name. This way, they can be prepared and act knowledgeable if they are approached about you. Keep in touch with them regarding your job search.
4. Follow through as soon as possible with your networking leads. If a networking contact leaves you a message or email, respond back the same day if possible. For new contacts you make, get back with them within 24 hours. Chances are that you will end up leaving a message, so make it detailed with the pertinent information you want to convey and your desire to re-contact them again soon.
5. Keep in touch with your newly established networking contacts and let them know how you are doing. Follow through on their suggestions and let them know how they are working for you. Of course, do not relay the times you have failed using their suggestions!
The bottom line is that an open line of communication is important in networking, just as much as the initial follow-through. A job offer will not happen overnight but when it eventually happens, it will be because your networking contacts have become convinced in your abilities, simply because you have follow-through.
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