FBG Networking 101: 3 Ways to Maintain Networking Relationships

What is a network?

According to ReturnofRelationship.com, a network is a person or group of people who you "like, trust, and respect" in some form or fashion and vice versa. This can be anybody from your family members to people you meet at a work conference who have valuable information to get you to the next level.

So after you go to a networking event and have passed out and received several business cards from great and interesting people, what do you do next?

That is the question that catches several people up and they end up missing out on connecting with GREAT PEOPLE. And trust me, I am at fault of this too! So I am giving my own self some advice as well.

A great networker is not a person who can walk up to someone and give them a card, it is a person who can formulate and maintain that relationship after the fact! It is all about following up to show them that regardless of what terms you met them on, you are still interested in getting to know that person.

Here are some ways to maintain those networking relationships.

• Social Networking -- adding them on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIN is a great way to see what they do and what they are interested in after the event is over. Comment on their page or send them @replies on their tweets

• Invite them to Lunch or a Happy Hour -- Most young professionals like to meet up at trendy, hip spots to release stress from a hectic day at office. Try inviting the person to lunch or to have a cocktail to just talk. This is a great way to build a solid relationship!

• "Just wanted to say Hi" call/email -- People love to be randomly thought of from time to time, so "touch base" with them randomly. An "out of the blue" call/email to just say you were thinking of them will probably make their day especially if they were already having a bad one. Even if this is a strategic move, it will make them feel special and instantly put you on a good foot. This should contact should be all about them and what they are up to and what they are working on. Ask them about their family, something they have going on on the side their hobbies, or anything that is not work related. Try not to ask them for anything you want from them when making this call/email. It loses its genuineness and makes it seem like you wanted something from them all along.

Hopefully these are just a few tips you FABULOUS BROWN GIRLS can try to improve on for your networking skills. Don't be afraid to let people know you think they are awesome (stroking ego a little bit doesn't hurt) and that you would not mind getting to know them further.

What tips do you have to share with FBG? Leave a comment and let me know!