There is no bad time to connect with people that you want to build a relationship with, but contacting people only when you want a favor is definitely inappropriate and will send the message that you are a “user.”
Remember that networking is about building and maintaining a relationship and there is never a bad time to do this.
Just checking on people who have helped you along your life journey is a good place to start.
Several suggestions I make to clients include:
SEND A NOTE
To rekindle a relationship, send a note to let a person know that you are thinking of them. Although no special reason is required to keep in touch, a congratulatory email, a thank you note, a birthday or holiday wish or an articles that may be of interest are good ways to build relationships.
Emails and text messages are convenient ways to keep in touch; however a hand written note or a personal phone call from time to time, can and usually will set you apart.
Sending a note telling someone that you’re thinking of them, thanking them for their support, guidance or their friendship will always be well received.
If you know the person reasonably well, think about something they have told you about themselves that you can add to the note showing that you have been paying attention.
You might also include an article, a book or some other small area of interest or token of appreciation. For example, if you know someone likes cooking, send an interesting recipe or a link to interesting cooking gadgets. This small token allows you to be a resource without asking for anything. Your note might just say, “I saw this recipe and thought of you and how much you enjoy cooking new dishes. I hope all is well. Please let’s keep in touch and catch up sometime soon.
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by reaching out to those that you admire.
REACH OUT TO PEOPLE YOU ADMIRE
You may have to step out of your comfort zone for this one, but sending a note to someone who you admire whether personally or professionally can be a good way to expand your network.
Reach out to someone who is successfully doing some of the things that you would like to do or learn more about, with you offering a compliment, not asking for a favor.
Let the person know what you admire about them and why. You might be surprised at how much your positive words will be appreciated.
I also suggest you have a few talking points prepared so that you are ready if the opportunity to speak with them personally presents itself.
It should be noted that when sending email or social media messages, online etiquette is mandatory.
There is nothing more annoying that getting a generic LinkedIn message (I call this the “lazy LinkedIn message”) from someone you don’t know, asking you to be part of their network with no indication of how they know you or why you should connect.
START A MASTERMIND GROUP
The sharing of ideas with others who have ideas to offer is another great way to build a network. A mastermind group allows participants to learn from you and from one another. Participants may be of a different age group, race or gender and the group may be structured as formally or as informally as you like. Meetings can be in person or virtual and can be held as often as decided. This exchange of ideas allows for great networking relationships to be formed.
ATTEND EVENTS
Although technology makes it easy to stay in touch, it is also important for you to be visible. Therefore, don’t rule out attending events, when possible, where you can meet like-minded people. This means attending events that are not only within your work field, but also events within your other areas of interest like MeetUps.
When attending an event outside of your work area but an area that you know and care about, you may be one of a kind and able to demonstrate your genuine interest and uniqueness.
NIX THE NETWORKING HANG-UPS
The biggest reservations people express about networking is that they are uneasy about contacting people because it feels like they’re asking for a favor.
My response is: Don’t ask for anything, share something instead. Make it a point to build relationships and then make a habit of following up.
The best time to develop your network is when you don’t need anything. Now is a great time to start.