I spent a lot of time networking and have worked with some great people in the film industry in Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and South Carolina. Building and maintaining relationships after networking is crucial for both personal and professional growth. Here are some tips to help you keep and nurture the relationships you establish:
Follow Up
After the initial meeting, always follow up with a thank-you email or message. Express your appreciation for their time and insights. This sets a positive tone for the relationship.
Stay in Touch
Regularly check in with your contacts. Share interesting articles, updates on your work, or just a friendly message to keep the connection alive. Social media can be a useful tool for this.
Meet in Person
Whenever possible, try to meet in person. Face-to-face meetings can deepen relationships and create a stronger bond.
Remember Key Details
Pay attention during your initial conversations and remember personal details, such as their hobbies, interests, and family. Bringing these up in later conversations shows you care about them as a person, not just as a professional contact.
Offer Value: Find ways to provide value to your contacts. Offer your expertise, introduce them to people in your network, or help them with their projects. Reciprocity is a powerful principle in building relationships.
Listen Actively
When you engage with your contacts, actively listen to what they have to say. This demonstrates your interest and empathy.
Be Reliable: If you promise to do something, follow through. Being reliable and keeping your commitments is essential for trust.
Create Opportunities
Look for opportunities where you can collaborate or work together on projects. This can strengthen the relationship and create mutual benefits.
Be Patient: Not all relationships will develop quickly. Some may take time to mature, and that’s perfectly normal. Don’t push too hard; let the relationship evolve naturally.
Respect Boundaries: Respect your contact’s time and boundaries. Not everyone wants to be constantly in touch, so gauge their comfort level and adjust your communication accordingly.
Acknowledge Milestones
When your contacts achieve a personal or professional milestone, send your congratulations. Acknowledging their achievements shows that you’re genuinely happy for their success.
Networking Events
Attend events or conferences where you know your contacts will be present. This can be an excellent opportunity to reconnect and strengthen the relationship.
Ask for Feedback: Seek feedback from your contacts on how you can improve your relationship or how you can better support them. This shows that you’re committed to mutual growth.
Stay Up-to-Date
Keep informed about your contact’s professional and personal life. If they mention a new project, publication, or life event, show your interest by acknowledging it.
Be Genuine
Authenticity is key. Be yourself and don’t try to be someone you’re not to impress others. Authenticity builds trust and stronger connections.
Remember that building and maintaining relationships is an ongoing process. It takes time and effort, but the value of these relationships, both personally and professionally, can be immeasurable.
Simon Shih 