Module 9 · Networking · Lesson 9 of 9

Maintaining professional relationships

Small, regular touches that keep a relationship alive between needs.

6 min read · Level: Practising · Free — no account needed to read

The idea

Professional relationships fade between needs unless you keep them warm with small, regular touches: congratulating someone on news, sharing something useful, a short check-in, meeting for coffee once in a while.

You don’t need a system for everyone. Pick the relationships that matter most and give each a gentle rhythm — a few times a year is often enough to keep a connection alive.

Why it matters

Relationships kept warm are there when you — or they — need them. Cold ones are hard to restart at the moment it matters.

See it happen

Rakib only contacts his former manager when he needs a reference, every two years or so.

The first reaction

He feels awkward each time and keeps the messages purely about the request.

With the idea

He starts sending a short note a couple of times a year — news, a useful article, congratulations. When he next needs a reference, it feels natural for both.

What changed

Light, regular contact kept the relationship alive between needs.

Easy to get wrong

• Letting important relationships go quiet for years.
• Trying to keep up with everyone equally and burning out.

Try it now: Your warm list

1. List five professional relationships you want to keep.
2. For each, choose a rhythm: monthly, a few times a year, yearly.
3. Note the next time you will reach out.

Questions to think about

• Which professional relationship have you let fade that you regret?
• What small touch would you appreciate from a contact?

Your challenge this week

Contact an old connection this week with no request attached.