Nurture Your Network

Your precious network helped you close that account – or snag that new opportunity at work.

The question is – how can you nurture your network to sustain key relationships over time? It isn’t as hard as you might think.

“Women feel they should have deeper relationships with initial contacts, but your professional network doesn’t need a constant connection,” says Kate Renwick-Espinosa, CMO of eye care and eyewear company VSP Global.

Experts say networking for advancement is about having a plan – for effective conversation, following up and reaching out at the right times (like after significant accomplishments).

Nourishing these relationships is as simple as remembering your most important contacts on birthdays, holidays and when they’ve achieved a personal or professional goal.

Women for Hire recommends finding time to take important contacts out for appetizers or coffee. Make sure they don’t think you’re just using them to get ahead in your career – you also enjoy their company.

Bonus PINK Link: Get more tips on nourishing your network in our online exclusive.

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By S. Sam Higgins

“I am not a has-been. I am a will be.”
Lauren Bacall