Many are learning, in these times in particular, the importance of those famous last words at the end of many emails that read “keep in touch”. It’s often written, but how many of us follow up and actually do so? For those who understand the cyclical nature of life, this is a habit, a must do, something not to fall by the wayside. These individuals who actually “keep in touch” understand that there usually (always) comes a time when you need “the network” and in order to effectively use it, it needs to know that you existed before today.

When a need arises, such as employment, references, guidance, opportunities for advancement, support in a campaign, etc., the network can assist you. However, it may only give to the extent that it has been nurtured. It is for this reason that you may want to reach out and touch the individuals in your network throughout the year more consistently.

This out reach can come in the form of a brief handwritten note, a quick email saying “hello”, scheduling a brief coffee to catch up in person, an invitation by to an event that you have extra tickets for, sending an article that is relevant to the individual. You should touch each person in your network at least four to six times per year depending on the relationship.

It’s like having an empty glass that you continue to add drops of water to. If you walk away from the glass of water for too long with out adding any more drops of water, it will soon evaporate. When you’re thirsty, you will have to add more water, instead of having it on tap to quench your thirst.

Keep your glass full.