How to keep your network warm
Want to stay top of mind with your connections? We share tips on how to stay in touch without feeling awkward.
You’ve just wrapped up a video chat with a new contact, and it went well. You bonded over your shared passion for finance, and who knows, maybe they’ll recommend you for a job at their company one day.
Or perhaps you’ve just left a conference where you networked with some influential people. Big names. Great connections. Maybe they’ll invite you to speak at one of their events in the future.
Or, maybe, they’ll forget about you entirely.
Ok, that might sound a bit harsh.
But the reality is, without staying in touch, you might end up as just another connection to them.
When your name pops up in the future, they may struggle to remember who you are or why they connected with you in the first place.
That’s where staying "top of mind" – or keeping your connections "warm" – comes in.
The trick is staying relevant without being pushy.
In this post, we share some top tips to help you maintain those valuable connections.
Why keeping your network warm matters
Before we dive into the strategies, let’s quickly touch on why staying top of mind is so important. The simple truth is, people won’t always remember you after one conversation.
And while job opportunities may be the most obvious benefit of keeping in touch, that’s just the beginning.
Keeping your network warm also:
- Builds trust and credibility: By staying engaged, you strengthen your relationships, so when the time comes, your contacts are more likely to lend a hand.
- Opens doors to collaboration: A strong network can lead to mentorship opportunities or collaborative projects that help you grow professionally.
- Reinforces your value: Regular engagement shows that you value the relationship, and don’t just reach out when you need something, reinforcing your role as a trusted connection.
How to keep your network warm
Now let’s turn to strategies. There are plenty of ways to stay in touch with your connections that feel natural and won’t eat up too much of your time. Here are some that work:
Share articles
If you come across an article you think they’d enjoy, share it with a quick note explaining why you thought of them. The article doesn’t have to be work-related—if they’ve mentioned an interest in video games, for example, send them an article on the latest gaming trends.
Share industry news
Sharing industry news is a great way to stay connected. For instance, you could let them know about an upcoming regulation change or a significant trend that could impact their work. Just make sure the information is genuinely valuable and avoid coming across as gossipy—keep it relevant and insightful.
Congratulate them on an achievement
Is your connection celebrating a job anniversary or birthday? Send them a quick note to say congratulations or wish them well. LinkedIn even notifies you of these milestones, making it an easy way to stay in touch. If they land a new job, that’s another great opportunity to reach out and congratulate them—LinkedIn is a perfect place for this, as people often share their job moves on there.
Share job leads
If you spot a job opportunity that may suit your contact, either in your business or externally, send it their way. They’ll appreciate the thought and will be more likely to reciprocate if they see a lead that you might be interested in.
Comment on their social media posts
Commenting on their social media posts is one of the quickest ways to stay connected. It keeps your name top of mind and gives you the added bonus of being seen by others in their network. Just make sure your comments are thoughtful and genuine. You want to show real interest in their post, not just comment for the sake of being noticed.
Ask their advice
It might feel a little uncomfortable, but people usually don’t mind being asked for advice. In fact, they often enjoy feeling valued. So, reach out to your contacts if you have a question you feel they’re well-suited to answer. You can either send them an email or ask if they’d be open to a quick video call.
Offer an introduction
If you know someone they may benefit from connecting with, offer to make an introduction. It’s best to check with your contact first before sending an intro email. This ensures the connection is genuinely valuable, and helps you avoid any awkward situations later
Send a quick check in message
There’s nothing wrong with sending a quick 'how are you doing?' message to your contact. It can open the door to a deeper conversation. Just be sure not to overdo it—reaching out every few months is usually a good balance.
How to remember to reach out
With so many ways to stay connected, keeping up with your contacts can easily start to feel like a full-time job. But don’t worry—you don’t need to use every strategy for every connection. Choose the ones that feel right and appropriate.
Being organized can also help make warm networking feel less overwhelming. One simple approach is to create a Google or Excel spreadsheet for your contacts. Add a column for notes (things like where you met, what you talked about, or their hobbies), and another for actions, like when you plan to follow up.
Another useful tip is to set reminders in your calendar to prompt you when it’s time to check in with someone. You can even set aside time each month or quarter specifically for reaching out to connections.
Remember, the key to effective networking is authenticity. It’s not just about getting in touch—it’s about showing that you’re a valuable, genuine connection.
Embrace the online world
When done well, online networking can open doors and connect you with people you may never have had a chance to meet.
But there’s a skill to it, and getting it right could be the difference between a missed opportunity and a valuable connection that takes your career to the next level.
Looking for more networking tips? Check out the rest of the series:
Networking online: the dos and don’ts
How to network – no matter your personality type
5 common networking mistakes (and how to avoid them)
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