How to follow up to build relationships

How to follow up to build relationshipsHow to follow up to build relationshipsA careerconundrum recently came into thepodcasthotline from a listener named Emily, who wants to know how to take her networking to the next level and really develop meaningfulrelationshipsafter meeting with people.Some of the fruchtwein sought-after content Ive created in the past is all about mastering the networking game, fromhow to get on a busy persons calendar, tomastering the art the of the 1-on-1 meeting.But Emilys question belies an important truth none of that matters without on-point follow-up.So dont be like the folks I spoke about on last Thursdays episode, who totallyghost people after meeting with them,and follow these best practices instead.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreSend a recap emailImmediately following your initial networking meeting, send a follow-up email that recaps any acti on items that came out of your initial conversation.Did they say theyd connect you with their friend in HR? Remind them And send along a little blurb about you that that they can use to introduce you via email.Make sure to get them anything else you owe them that theyll need to help you further (your portfolio, a link to your website, your resume, etc.).Keep your email recap short and simple, and use bullet points when possible to keep action items clear. The goal make it as easy as possible for them to follow through on whatever it is they agreed to in yourone-on-one meeting.Express thanksWhile youre at it, make sure to express your thanks in whatever way feels most appropriate to you. Thank them via email. Send a handwritten note.Or if you really want to show your gratitude,send a giftIve shared before how big a fan I am of sending a token of appreciation probably because gift-giving is my love language and also because they make such a big impactWhen some one is really doing yo u a solid, make sure to follow up with gratitude first.ReciprocateNext, consider how you can return the favor, too. Saying thanks is nice and all, but what can youdofor them? Can you connect them to folks you know whod be interested in hilfeing their work? Can give a public shout-out to amplify what theyre doing? Can you hook them up in any way, shape or form?Aneffective networking meetingshould leave you both with a sense of each others primary goalsandcurrent pain points, so do something about themI know its sometimes intimidating to dare to give advice or even see yourself as being in a position to help when youre meeting with some one you consider to be a mentor. But remember building meaningful relationships is a two-way street. Adopting a peer mentality and really seeing yourself as in the same boat as the person youre networking with can help. Dont be afraid to offer support and encouragement.Keep in touchTo really turn a one-time networking meeting into a blossoming relati onship, youve got to keep in touch. This isespeciallytrue if youve been networking as a part of a job search. Its easy to get bogged down in along job hunt, but you better close the loop when you land your next gig Circle back to tell the folks youve met with that youre off the market and to thank them again for their support especially if they played a role in landing your new opportunity.From there, keep them updated on whats happening with you. How are you settling in to the new role? Ask them how theyre doing and if theres ever a way you can support them in return. A friendly email once a quarter goes a long way. You might even get in the habit of sharing articles or books that come across your radar and remind you of their interests.And if you really want cultivate a relationship, its important to spend quality time together. So schedule a catch-up coffee or meal together every few months to keep the conversation going.Remember, friendships are a two-way streetSo dont put too much pressure on yourself if youre feeling like the relationship isnt reciprocal. If you keep reaching out and theyre not receptive to your regular communication or invites to meet up, dont take it personally if a deeper friendship just isnt in the cards.This article originally appeared on Bossed Up.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people