Maintain network with these 8 tips

Maintaining your network creates opportunities, brings new ideas and provides access to valuable knowledge. But fair is fair, relationships take time and attention. In this blog, we share 8 practical tips that will help you naturally strengthen valuable relationships and thus get the most out of your network.

1. Stay in touch, but keep it lighthearted 

Maintaining your network is about more than just sending the occasional message. It's important to strike a balance between keeping in touch regularly and keeping it lighthearted. For example, try sending an informal update about something that interests both of you, or responding to a post on their social media. A short, spontaneous message shows that you care about the relationship without being intrusive. This strengthens the bond without feeling forced.

2. Give without expecting anything directly in return 

A strong networking relationship is all about mutual support and trust. Try to offer help, advice, or valuable information without expecting anything directly in return. By helping unconditionally, you build a reputation as a trusted contact. This makes people remember you, especially at times when they need support. In this way, you give your network a lasting foundation and leave a positive impression that can be valuable.

3. Keep track of birthdays and milestones 

Everyone appreciates it when you think about their important moments. Keeping track of birthdays, work anniversaries or promotions of your contacts shows that you care about them. A simple message on these days can already mean a lot and have a big impact on your relationship. Use tools like LinkedIn to easily be on the

keep abreast of milestones and events in your contacts' lives and careers, providing a personal touch in your communications.

4. Keep developing yourself and share your knowledge 

A strong network is all about adding value. Make sure you yourself continue to grow within your field. Read relevant articles, take courses and attend seminars. Then share your new insights with your network; you can do this through social media, personal conversations or by organizing a webinar. By sharing your knowledge, you stay relevant to your contacts and increase your appeal as a professional within the network.

5. Organize or attend networking meetings 

Face-to-face contact is indispensable in networking and often strengthens relationships. Visit trade shows, conferences or networking events to maintain existing contacts and establish new relationships. Perhaps you can organize your own small gathering for like-minded people within your field. Hosting such an event creates the perfect setting to make a lasting impression in person and grow your network in an authentic and purposeful way.

6. Use social media strategically 

Social media are excellent tools for maintaining and strengthening your network. LinkedIn, for example, makes it easy to stay up to date on changes in someone's career, and Twitter or Instagram also allow you to maintain informal contact. Responding to updates, sharing interesting content and staying visible shows that you are engaged. Make sure you stay active on the channels where your network is for optimal contact.

7. Provide a clear and recognizable digital business card 

In this digital age, it's smart to give your network easy access to your contact information. With a digital business card, such as an NFC card, contacts can save your information in one click. This saves time, is environmentally friendly and prevents your card from disappearing at the bottom of a bag. Using a digital business card not only gives a modern impression but also makes it easier for others to keep in touch with you.

8. Be consistent and sincere 

Consistency is the key to maintaining a strong network. Make sure you don't just get heard from when you need something, but build relationships based on sincerity and genuine interest. This requires conscious effort and time, but ensures that your network remains sustainable and solid. People appreciate genuineness and tend to support you when you build and strengthen this type of relationship.

Maintain network with NFC World 

Maintaining a strong network starts with building valuable connections. With an NFC business card from NFC World, you lay the foundation for relationships that are easy to follow up on. The card provides access to a convenient online environment where contacts can not only store your information directly, but where you also gain insight into their engagement with your profile through our dashboard. This way you can optimize your networking activities and make networking easier and more efficient.

Want to discover how a digital business card can enhance your networking strategies? Then contact NFC World and experience how easy networking can be.