Networking is an essential part of career development. Making connections, building relationships, and staying in touch with people in your industry can help you learn more about your field, develop new skills, and gain access to new opportunities.
But what do you do when you hit a snag in these networking relationships? In this article, we will explore two common networking challenges and provide tips and strategies for overcoming them.
Reconnecting with Networking Contacts
Have you ever lost touch with someone you met at a networking event or conference? Maybe you exchanged business cards, but never followed up.
Or perhaps you connected on LinkedIn but never had a conversation. Whatever the reason, it’s not too late to reconnect with that contact.
Email Communication
Email is the most common way people stay in touch these days, so it’s a great place to start. But before you hit “send”, make sure you have a clear idea of why you want to reconnect and what you hope to achieve.
Are you looking for a job? Want to learn more about a company or industry?
Hoping to get a reference or introduction? Be specific about what you want and why you are reaching out.
When drafting your email, keep it short and to the point. Remember, this person is probably busy and receives a lot of emails every day.
Introduce yourself (remind them how you met if necessary), acknowledge their time, and get to the point quickly. Be polite and don’t ask for too much right away.
Keep your initial request simple and easy to fulfill.
Sticky Networking Scenarios
Sometimes networking can be a bit more complicated. Maybe you had a disagreement with a contact, or they are asking you for something you don’t feel comfortable giving.
These tricky situations can be uncomfortable, but they don’t have to be insurmountable.
Templates for Tackling Tough Circumstances
One way to handle awkward networking scenarios is to use a template. Templates are pre-written email or message templates that you can customize to fit your specific needs.
There are many templates available online that address a variety of networking challenges, including how to ask for help without sounding desperate, how to apologize for a mistake, or how to decline a request graciously. When using a template, be sure to personalize it as much as possible.
Don’t just copy and paste the entire message. Make sure it reflects your unique situation and your relationship with the contact.
Use similar language and tone to what you would normally use when communicating with that person. Templates can be a great way to get started, but remember that they are just a starting point.
Reaching Out to a Contact You’ve Reached Out to Too Often
Networking is all about building relationships, but sometimes it’s hard to know when you are crossing the line from “keeping in touch” to “spamming”. If you feel like you have been reaching out to a contact too often, it’s important to acknowledge that and adjust your approach.
Networking Challenges with a Well-Connected Contact
If you are struggling with how to approach a well-connected contact, the first step is to reflect on your motivation. Are you asking for something you really need, or are you just hoping to use their connections for your own gain?
If you are genuinely in need of help, it’s okay to ask for it. Just be sure you are respectful of their time and don’t make demands.
Acknowledgement of Repeat Requests
If you feel like you have been reaching out to a contact too often, it’s important to acknowledge that in your next communication. You can say something like, “I know I have reached out to you a few times recently, and I don’t want to be a bother.
I appreciate your patience with me.” By acknowledging your behavior, you show that you are aware of the situation and are taking steps to address it.
Suggestion to Take the Conversation Off Email
If you have been corresponding primarily over email, it may be time to suggest a face-to-face or phone conversation. This can be a good way to reestablish a more personal connection and show that you are willing to invest time and effort into the relationship.
Suggest a time and place that is convenient for both of you, and be prepared with an agenda for the conversation. In conclusion, navigating networking challenges can be difficult, but it’s not impossible.
By using effective communication strategies, acknowledging your behavior, and above all being respectful and genuine in your interactions, you can build and maintain strong networking relationships that last a lifetime. Networking can be tricky, especially when you are trying to reconnect with a contact that you have previously cancelled on or a former colleague that you never really clicked with.
Here are some tips and strategies for tackling these common networking challenges.
Reconnecting with a Contact You Cancelled On
Dealing with Unreliability
Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes we have to cancel plans at the last minute. But if you find yourself cancelling on a networking contact more than once, you may start to worry that you are becoming unreliable.
The first step in reconnecting with a contact you have cancelled on is to acknowledge your behavior.
Sincere Apology
Start by sending a sincere apology. Let them know that you value their time and understand that cancelling is not a professional way to handle the situation.
Explain the reason for your cancellation if it was due to extenuating circumstances, and offer to reschedule if that is possible. Be sure to express your regret and willingness to make it right.
Requesting for Opinions and Feedback
Once you have apologized for any cancellations, follow up with a request for opinions or feedback. This can be a great way to get the conversation going again and show that you are still interested in the contact.
Ask for their thoughts on a recent industry development, a new project you are working on, or an article that recently caught your attention. Keep the conversation focused on the other person and their expertise.
Contacting a Former Colleague You Never Really Clicked With
Reconnecting Despite Lack of Connection
It’s not always easy to build a connection with every person you meet, even those you work with closely. But just because you didn’t click with someone at the time doesn’t mean you can’t reconnect in the future.
If you have a former colleague that you want to connect with, but you never really clicked, the first step is to assess why you want to reconnect now.
Professional Approach
Be sure to take a professional approach when reaching out to a former colleague you didn’t click with. Start with a friendly greeting, but keep the initial message short and to the point.
Don’t dwell on the past or try to force a connection that isn’t there. Instead, focus on your current goals and how the contact could help you achieve them.
Requesting for an Introductory Connection
If you are reaching out to a former colleague you didn’t click with in order to connect with someone else, be sure to request an introductory connection. Start by explaining why you are interested in the connection and how it could be beneficial for both parties.
Be specific about what you hope to achieve and why you believe the connection would be valuable. If possible, offer to make an introduction in return or provide another type of value to show that you are willing to contribute to the relationship.
Conclusion
Networking can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can overcome obstacles and build strong relationships that last. Whether you are trying to reconnect with a contact you cancelled on or a former colleague you never really clicked with, the key is to stay professional, focus on the other person, and be genuine in your interactions.
Networking is an essential part of career development, but it’s not without its challenges. Whether you’re trying to reconnect with someone you’ve cancelled on or a former colleague with whom you never clicked, there are specific strategies you can use to overcome these obstacles.
First, it’s essential to stay professional and genuine in your communication, acknowledging any past mistakes and showing respect for the other person’s time. Then, focus on their needs and interests, and be specific about what you hope to achieve in the relationship.
Remember, building strong networking relationships takes time and effort, but the benefits are well worth it in terms of career growth, personal development, and new opportunities.