7 Ways to Interact with New People in Your Network

7 Ways to Interact with New People in Your Network 7 Ways to Interact with New People in Your Network If youre sometimes a reluctant networker and job seeker, you’re probably thinking through the entire process from where to meet new people all the way to reconnecting at a future point. It’s possible that there really isn’t a part to the whole networking process that thrills you. Especially when trying to stay in contact with new people in your network. Does that sound like you? If so, how can you network and follow up without feeling like a stalker? Gaining Perspective on the Networking Process Before launching into the various ways you can maintain contact with your newly minted connections, let’s check in on your follow-up perspectives. One of the worst things we do is overthink the entire process. We worry how other people view us and go to extremes. Will meeting me bore them? Will they be uninterested? Do I look needy? If I contact them afterward, will they respond? Or if I do contact them and they don’t respond, do I take that as a sign they don’t like me or want no contact? You need to understand that if you show a genuine interest in the people in your network without overdoing it, you’ll be more alluring. We’re attracted to people who are interested in us (which may mean we’re fundamentally self-centered, but oh well!). The dividing line between creepy and interesting is a combination of: What you’re saying or talking about Contact frequency Intensity of your interactions As long as you don’t have over-the-top intensity, such as discussing inappropriate or controversial topics or contacting them daily, you’re good. With that mental adjustment, let’s look at some great things you can do to connect with people in your network. “Mix and match” your approach from the following list! 7 Ways to Interact with New People in Your Network, Without Feeling like a Stalker 1) Set the stage. As you’re wrapping up your conversation with this new person, suggest meeting for coffee to get further acquainted. By doing this, you’ll make follow-up an expected gesture and smooth transition. Make sure to get a business card so you have their contact information. 2) First Contact Your first contact after the initial introduction is critical. You should contact the person within three days as memories can fade quickly. When you do meet face-to-face, make sure you connect the dots as to where and when you met. 3) Meet for coffee. Suggest a face-to-face meeting as soon after your introduction as possible. It helps to reinforce any chemistry and memory of your first meeting. A coffee shop is a good location because it doesn’t suggest spending too much time like a restaurant or bar would. 4) Connect via email. Periodically email interesting articles that help reinforce your understanding of the person’s profession or hobbies. Sign up to be on the mailing list of various sites so this type of information comes to you rather than spending valuable time locating it each time. 5) Reconnect. If you met at an organizational meeting that has a regular meeting schedule, make plans to see each other at future meetings. 6) Facilitate referrals. Introduce your connections to each other to help them professionally or personally. When you start thinking about  what a new person might need and you begin to support them, you’ll be a rock star by supporting both existing and new connections. 7) Phone Call It’s nice to periodically have a brief chat by phone. This approach is more personal than an email and doesn’t take as much time as a meeting. Be sensitive that this person may not have time to talk when you call. Start the conversation by first announcing your name and asking if you called at a good time for a five-minute chat. Keep the call brief or they’ll avoid your calls in the future. When it comes to networking, be a friend first. Support for jobs or anything else will come later.  The bottom line is that I want to help you accelerate your career- to achieve what you want by connecting you with instant access to my Easier Networking for Introverts and the Socially Reluctant  eBook- the backbone to your networking success and fantastic work relationships. Readers, do you find it easy to connect with people in your network  or is this something youre working to improve? Share your experiences and tips below! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moranâ€"dedicated to unleashing your professional potential at Introvert Whisperer.