Network How I learned the importance of keeping in touch with coworkers

Network How I learned the importance of keeping in touch with coworkersNetwork How I learned the importance of keeping in touch with coworkersI was recently walking in Manhattan when I saw someone who looked like Karen, a coworker from my first job, mora than a decade ago.Karen and I hadhelped plan a big launch partyfor our company. While reviewing the guest list, I had realized that while the entire staff was invited, my name wasnt there. When Karen found out I wasnt on the list, she raised hell and high-water and made aya that my name was included (which had been an oversight). I attended the party and had a great time.But on the street that day, I paused.Was it Karen?I had completely lost touch with her.The importance of maintaining connection is a lesson that I come back to over and over.I wish I had gleaned it during that first job. When youre early in your career, people are always telling you to network and to reach out to people.But they never tell you how (or why) to stay in touch.Countless people with whom I have maintained better contact over the years have helped me with my career. I had their help becauseI managed to send that second email, call someone back, or text duringthe holidays.Why is keeping in touchso hard?Now that Ive been working for many years, I have people who reach out to me for informational interviews or to ask for contacts or advice. Consistently, theyll email me, well connect,and theyll thank me for mytime. And then Ill never hear from themagain.For example, ayoung woman who was interested in working in an office like mine reached out. I wrote her a lengthy email about how I had gottenstarted, sent her resources, and then had a half-hour phone conversation with her. Then I never heard from her again.I completely forgot about her until my office was already weeks into interviewing for a new position. I sent her a note on LinkedIn, and she already had gotten a new job. I wonder if she had stayed in touch if she would have intervie wed in my office?Staying in touch isnt always easy - especially with the multitude of social networks.Sometimes just picking the way to follow up can feel overwhelming.But a wide net of people is an asset not just for my career, but to have people to listen to and learn new things. I wonder how much Ive missed out on and what great people Ive lost touch with because I neglected to keep emailing them.Here are my three goals for following up with people.Ask how they want you to stay in touchWhen you know youre making a transition - whether its moving across the country or leaving a job- askpeople in your network how they want to stay in touch.Not everyone likes spending time on Facebook, and some people are more into text than email. If you ask, then you wont feel like youre bothering someone or feel like youre sending messages and getting no response.Schedule time for follow-upSending notes to people doesnt always feel like its usefuland can feel like a chore.But the reality is th at a follow-up doesnt need to take a lot of time.Writing a thank you note or a quick text to say that you hope theyrewell shouldnt take you more than a few minutes.And if its someone youve met for networking, sometimes just updating them on what youre doingis enough.Build in failsafesSocial hacks canhelp you to start a more in-depth conversation with people.Facebook tells you someones birthday? Sent them an email or text instead of liking it.LinkedIn tells you that someone got a new job? Send them a note or forward some information you think would be helpful.Personal touchescan make a big difference.Ultimately, it doesnt take a lot of work to stay in touch.But as you progress in your career, its worth it.