Keep Your Network Active

Creating a broad and productive network is an accomplishment. But the work doesn’t stop there. To sustain the connections you’ve made, you need to nurture those relationships. Here are three ways to keep in regular contact: Share information. If you know someone is interested in a certain subject, find a good article or podcast that applies and forward it to her. Be a bridge. Act as a link between two members of your network who share an interest but wouldn’t normally connect with each other. Make a human connection. Send e-mails saying, “Thanks,” “Congratulations,” “I’m sorry for you,” or whatever is appropriate and genuine. Small, human touches are important. Adapted from the HBR Guide to Networking. Visit Harvard Business Review’s Management Tip homepage Purchase the HBR Management Tips book