**How to Stay in Touch Without Becoming a Networking Nuisance**

31 December 2024

Networking is an art, isn’t it? It’s about building relationships, sharing value, and staying connected. But let’s get real—sometimes, it can feel like walking a tightrope. You want to stay on someone’s radar without annoying them, right? Nobody wants to be that person clogging up inboxes, sending pointless "Just checking in!" emails, or making their LinkedIn messages a never-ending saga.

The good news? You don’t have to be a networking nuisance to stay in touch effectively. With a little finesse, a sprinkle of strategy, and a pinch of authenticity, you can keep those connections alive without coming across as pushy or desperate. Let’s dive into how you can strike that perfect balance.

Why Staying in Touch Matters

Before we get into the “how,” let’s take a second to talk about the “why.”

Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or boosting your LinkedIn connections. It’s about making genuine connections with people who can help you grow (and who you can help in return). Whether you’re looking for career opportunities, business collaborations, or mentorship, staying in touch is key.

But here’s the thing: relationships don’t sustain themselves. If you’re not nurturing them, they can fade faster than your willpower on a Monday morning. Staying in touch ensures that you stay top of mind—and who knows, it might just open doors you never expected!

The Fine Line Between Staying Connected and Being Annoying

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Why does staying in touch sometimes get a bad rap?

The truth is, there’s a fine line between being attentive and being overbearing. Over-communicate, and you risk becoming that person whose name people sigh at when they see your email pop up. Under-communicate, and you risk being forgotten.

So, how do you find that sweet spot? It all comes down to timing, intent, and value.

The Golden Rules of Staying in Touch

1. Be Genuine, Not Transactional

If everything you send feels like a sales pitch or a self-serving request, people are going to tune you out—fast.

Think about it: Would you rather hear from someone who genuinely cares about your well-being or someone who only shows up when they need something? Exactly.

Instead of reaching out with an agenda, focus on making your communication authentic and meaningful. For example:
- Congratulate them on a recent achievement you saw on LinkedIn.
- Share an article or resource that reminded you of them.
- Simply say hello and ask how they’re doing—without any hidden motives.

2. Timing Is Everything

Ever heard the saying, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder”? Well, that applies to networking too. Bombarding someone with messages every other day? Not a good look. On the other hand, waiting two years to reconnect? You might as well be starting from scratch.

So, how often is just right? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, a quarterly check-in with your professional contacts is usually a safe bet. If they’re closer contacts, monthly or bi-monthly might work better.

A pro tip? Pay attention to life events (promotions, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.) as natural opportunities to reach out.

3. Lead with Value

Let’s say you receive two emails. One says, “Hey, can you introduce me to your manager?” The other says, “Hey, I came across this amazing tool that I think would be helpful for your team!”

Which one would you respond to first? Exactly.

Always aim to provide value when you’re reaching out. Whether that’s sharing a useful resource, offering to help with something, or just making a thoughtful comment, showing that you’re thinking about what the other person needs can work wonders for keeping the relationship alive.

4. Mix Up Your Communication Channels

Email might be your go-to tool for staying in touch, but let’s spice things up, shall we?

Send an old-school handwritten note if you want to stand out. Comment on their LinkedIn posts, share relevant links through Twitter DMs, or even pick up the phone (yes, people still do that!). The variety not only keeps things interesting but also makes your touchpoints feel less repetitive.

5. Don’t Take It Personally

Not every message is going to get a response—and that’s okay! People are busy, and sometimes your email or call might not be their top priority.

What’s important is that you keep showing up (within reason) and stay consistent. Over time, your efforts will add up, even if you don’t always get an immediate reply.

Creative (Non-Annoying) Ways to Stay Connected

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore some creative ways to stay in touch that won’t make people roll their eyes.

1. Send a “Thinking of You” Article

Found an article or podcast that reminded you of someone? Share it with a quick note like, “I saw this and immediately thought of our conversation about [topic]. Hope you find it interesting!”

2. Congratulate Them on Milestones

Did they win an award? Get a promotion? Launch a new product? Publicly celebrate their wins on LinkedIn or send a quick congratulatory email.

3. Host a Mini Virtual Coffee Chat

Invite a few of your contacts to a casual 30-minute virtual coffee chat to catch up and share insights. It’s low-pressure, and it keeps your network engaged.

4. Seasonal Check-Ins

Use seasonal holidays or events as an excuse to reach out. A quick “Happy New Year!” or “Hope you’re enjoying the summer!” is simple, and it keeps the connection warm.

5. Collaborate on Something Small

Sometimes, working together on a small project or event can naturally strengthen your relationship. Think: webinars, panel discussions, or joint blog posts.

What NOT to Do When Staying in Touch

We’ve gone over what you should do, but let’s talk about the things you should avoid at all costs:
- Don’t spam. Sending the same generic message to everyone is a surefire way to make people hit “delete.”
- Don’t overcomplicate it. Networking doesn’t have to be a three-ring circus. Simple, sincere communication goes a long way.
- Don’t make it all about you. Enough said.

The Secret Sauce: Authenticity + Consistency

At the end of the day, the secret to staying in touch without becoming a nuisance is to focus on authenticity and consistency. It’s not about making grand gestures or sending a flurry of messages. It’s about showing up, being thoughtful, and genuinely caring about the people in your network.

Remember, networking isn’t transactional—it’s relational. And like any relationship, it thrives on mutual respect, effort, and a little bit of give-and-take.

Final Thoughts

Staying in touch doesn’t have to be awkward or stressful. With the right mindset and a few simple strategies, you can maintain strong, meaningful connections without making anyone cringe.

So next time you find yourself overthinking how to send that email or message, just ask yourself: “Am I being authentic? Am I providing value?” If the answer is yes, you’re on the right track.

Now, go ahead and reach out to someone in your network today—just don’t overdo it, okay?