How To Nurture Your Network Without Being Annoying
There’s a fear that stops a lot of people from nurturing their network.
It sounds like this:
“I don’t want to bother them.”
“I don’t want to seem salesy.”
“I don’t want to be annoying.”
So instead… we just don't do it, we disappear. Months go by. Sometimes years.
And then, when you do reach out, they say
"Who is this, I don't have your number in my phone anymore".
Or it feels transactional because there’s been no contact in between.
Relevance isn’t created through repeated, emails, texts or DMs. It’s created through value.
You stay relevant when your outreach is:
Thoughtful, not self-serving
Personalized
Occasional, but meaningful
About them, not you
Here's a simple filter before you reach out: “Is this helpful, interesting, or encouraging for them?” If yes, move forward. If no, rethink it.
Nurturing your network is about staying valuable,
& staying visible.
Put It Into Networking Practice
This week... reach out to two people you've been dragging you feet on connecting with and provide them:
an insight
resource
an introduction
...that is valuable/tailored to them that makes their world a little better.
In our next blog, we’ll break down a few ways to collect ideas on outreach and how to stay organized without overcomplicating it. Nurturing works best when it’s light, simple, and actually doable, not a huge administrative burden.
Want some ideas on how to better Network (& Nurture) Behind the Screen. Come join us for our 90-Minute Virtual Skll Lab on Sept. 30th.
See You On the Practice Field,
Alyce, Keith, and Renee ~ The Articulated Intelligence Team
Articulated Intelligence develops practiced professionals who deliver results. Through practice-driven labs, facilitations, and keynotes, we develop professionals who communicate clearly, build strong relationships, and turn time spent networking, meeting, and presenting into measurable return.
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