Networking 101 -- Just say Thanks!

So it is ironic to write a posting about timely follow-up on networking when I’ve been lax for the last view weeks in posting an update! This is what NOT to do!
When you have finally been able to establish a level of relationship and communication with someone, it is imperative to not only keep that connection hot, but to also ensure that you follow the basic etiquette most people learnt as children: say please and thank you. Now we’ve all probably had an instance in our lives where we’ve helped someone out, maybe picked up the milk they forgot to buy, checked the flight time for someone just to be a good buddy – BUT haven’t you had that instant, albeit a short lived moment, where you think to yourself “Hey! Where’s the appreciation?? That bottle of milk didn’t walk home by itself! You coulda at least said ‘Thanks” so I could say ‘My pleasure’! You took my feigned modesty away from me!!!” Networking follows a similar set of rules.
When you have leveraged a connection, it is obvious that you want to send a note to thank the individual. What makes the relationship stronger and shows appreciation a little bit more than “um, yeah, thanks, bye” is when you are able to write something relatively personal about your interaction. This can range from “Hope your weekend getaway worked out!” to “Great hearing about your insight regarding xyz”, but it edifies to the recipient that you valued and, frankly, paid attention to your time together. This is different than a thank you note after a meeting in that you generally want to leave an open conversation. Many people believe that this school of thought is “stylistic”, i.e. I’m shy, I don’t get personal! Frankly, it isn’t a question of personality – that is more indicative of how easily the writing will come to you. Most people like to know that what they did was appreciated – so tell them!
Exercise Thank You
Find someone who you interact with often – a best friend, a significant other, a Starbucks Barista – and try to find significance in one or two actions they have done for you. Take that action, and think of a creative way of thanking them. (Please note: the Barista example was sarcastic – I can only imagine the delay it would cause if customers started singing them sonnets in praise of the foam they have received.) Try writing a short 4 sentence email. Give this email to the person for their review. Explain to them that this is an exercise. Now is where communication is key – listen to their response. Did your sentiment get across? Did they understand your appreciation?
Taking the same action and same individual, speak your appreciation. See how this is received vs. your written word. This gives you an indication of a) which form of communication may be more effective for you and b) whether or not you are effectively communicating what you mean to.
This is a short entry, short exercise – but with long term results. It is human nature to be more likely to help someone who has shown that they appreciates your time and effort than someone that sends a cookie-cutter-pre-written-I-sent-this-to-my-Barista-too email. Leave an impression that lasts!

Thanks for reading ;-)