Keeping Your Network Active After Landing a Job

Keeping Your Network Active After Landing a JobKeeping Your Network Active After Landing a JobThis post originally appeared onFEI Daily.Many people think of networking largely as a job search tool. They fail to recognize its role in enhancing their long-term job security, professional stature and companys growth.Individuals with strong networks are often seen as more valuable by their organizations because theyre professionally active and well connected, and networking can be a valuable business development tool. In aRobert Half Management Resources survey, 60 percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed said business growth was the primary purpose of their professional networking activities (compared to 10 percent whose top goal was looking for a job).Still, the reality is after landing a coveted position and putting in long hours trying to make a mark in a new workplace, networking can suddenly seem like a low priority. Before you relegate it to the bottom of your to-do l ist, consider behauptung suggestions for easy ways to keep your networking efforts active, even as you work on establishing yourself in your new position.Maximize online networking.The Robert Half Management Resources survey also found CFOs prefer to network online. Because virtual networking can be done at any time, theres no good reason not to maintain an active presence, with active being the key word.Go beyond simply having a LinkedIn profile. Stay engaged with your network by posting an occasional book review, contributing to a conversation on a hot topic and commenting on others updates. In the process of staying in contact with your connections, youll build your professional visibility and show yourself as an expert in finance and your industry.When you see that someone in your network has gotten a promotion or changed jobs, take a minute to send a congratulatory note. Taking the time to acknowledge someone elses achievement will be remembered.Stay active in professional orga nizations.Although you may have been a regular at your local chapter meetings when you were job hunting, you may think thats one activity you could now safely drop from your busy schedule. Unfortunately, that would mean breaking one of the cardinal rules of networking Dont just do it when you need to. Its essential to maintain your network by staying involved with professional groups, such asFinancial Executives International. Doing so also helps you keep abreast of whats happening in your field, enhancing your professional value.If you cant be as active as you were in the past perhaps you need to give up chairing a committee, for example continue to make an effort to attend meetings and networking events. Also look for other ways to contribute, such as delivering a presentation or writing an article for the chapter website or newsletter.Start your own networking group.Another way to keep in touch with influential contacts is to plan your own recurring networking activity maybe a once-a-month meeting for coffee, lunch or happy hour. Consider making these meetings a same time, same place arrangement by meeting at a mutually convenient place on the first Friday of each month, for instance. Even if all members of your group cant attend every time, having a standing engagement will help ensure you dont let valued relationships go dormant.Pass it on.Now that youve landed a sought-after position, dont forget to try to help those whove helped you. Use your new post to become an even more valuable contact to those in your network. You can be their eyes and ears in your industry or company and pass on job leads, referrals or meaningful business developments, as long as youre not violating any confidentiality expectations, of course.Also, if you continue to receive job leads or queries from recruiters after settling in your new role, you may want to pass that information on as well. Recruiters, in particular, are almost always interested in receiving referrals to oth er talented professionals. In addition, your acquaintances will likely be flattered you thought to recommend them.Its difficult to predict what twists and turns your career might take, and you never know when youll need the help of a strong network. So think twice before easing off your networking efforts. Its much easier to nurture a thriving network than to have to cobble one together when you suddenly find yourself in a situation where you have to seek others assistance.