I am sitting here, fighting the urge to indulge in some dessert, but not just any treat, but Sea Salt Caramel by Talenti...there should be a warning sign on that container:)
Anyway, today I took a break from routine tasks and reached out to former clients like I do from time to time. However, instead of sending an email, retweeting on Twitter or making a comment on Facebook, I picked up the phone to connect personally and directly.
I was slightly amused by some of the responses that I received...some people were very happy, some were concerned that something was wrong and others were very touched by the gesture. Have we reached a point in society that a personal touch or communication has become foreign to us?
- How well do you know your LI contacts? Can you be a resource to at least 30-50% of your contacts?
- When was the last time you sent a birthday card or anniversary wish to someone who is not a family member or close friend?
- Has it been months or even years since you have touched base with your last mentor?
Relax, I am not pointing a figure at you as I had to ask myself some of the same questions. Instead of having regrets and being embarrassed for lack of communication, let's (yes, you and me) work on nurturing, not just building our professional and personal network.
So how do you stay in touch with people throughout the year without being intrusive? Here are a few suggestions to get started immediately.
-- Make a list of birthdays and anniversaries so that you can at least send a card in the mail or an e-card. If you are close to the person, acknowledging their children's birthdays as well is not a bad idea.
-- Make an effort to send out an email at least twice a year just to check in - how are you, what's new, still at the same job, etc
-- Make sure to inform your contacts every time you get a promotion, new job, interesting or high-profile project just to keep them abreast of your career progression. Remember to be receptive and congratulatory when the same information is sent to you
-- Send out invitations to meet in person with your top tier contacts every quarter if you live in the same city, state or regional area
--Offer to give recommendations or referrals when anyone of your contacts is seeking to make career moves
-- Maximize Linked, Facebook, and Twitter to give everyone brief, but informational updates on your weekly activities, but don't neglect personal, one-on-one emails.
It takes more than building a network for effective executive career management, you have to go the extra mile to keep your network fresh, current and engaged. Let's get to work!
About Abby, Executive Career Architect
Ask yourself these questions:
-- Are you launching an executive job search for first time in 10+ years?
-- Are you puzzled about whether executive recruiters, online job boards, personal contacts or LinkedIn is the best strategy for you?
-- Are you still marketing that "write-it-yourself" executive resume that is getting no results?
-- Has the personal branding buzz gone over your heard because you still don't know your value proposition?
If you have answered yes to any of these questions, take real action today and schedule your complimentary, career/resume strategy session with Abby Locke.
Why? She is an executive career architect who helps senior-level executives who struggle with self-marketing to increase their brand reputation, become sought after leaders so that they can earn the salaries they deserve and achieve their dream careers.
