A-Few-Knew-Earl: Just how intimate are you with your network?

Years ago, reaching your 500+ connections on LinkedIn had an alluring flair - it made many of us feel confident in the strength of our network and provide those who visited our profiles an impression of strong established credentials.

But today let's admit it. Connections in our professional online networks can feel like antique collectable items over the years. Most of us can only name a few dozen people off the top of our heads as the go-to people in our daily network.

Your once manageable network has turned into a sleeping giant over the years! But it was manageable because you kept it relevant to the times.

Today provides a challenge to do that to say the very least.

If we're not careful, like older legacy technology, connections that we once developed can render obsolete if they are are not nourished.

Let's be realistic Ramy. Precisely where I'm going with this I promise!

It's impossible to keep up with everyone when in today's day and age it's hard enough to keep up with ourselves! We transition jobs, industries, move to different countries, start startups, start families and start new lives altogether.

And it all makes sense...

The very same roles, industries and people we once connected with on so many levels can certainly appear to be totally unrelated to those we need to network with today.

No surprises there right? Wrong, actually.

Those with the healthiest professional networks put significant value in nourishing them for the sake of the network itself.

It happens all too often when we need our network and we realize that our level of contribution over the years in keeping in touch has been poor, and for some, even abysmal.

The result? For many people it means not reaching out at all to the very people they kept in contact with years ago! Imagine how tragic that must be.

How did we get to this point?

Some people feel they don't need a strong network, a handful believe they have no compelling reason to do so, few are unaware of the value of an intimate network, and others don't know how.

...all these reasons lead down the dark path of our friend Earl. That's not pleasant is it?

So what happens now Ramy? I don't have the time, I'm immersed in my work yet I'd love to keep my network engaged with me.

The Solution: Nourish before Needing

Reach out to say hello and send warm wishes, use celebratory occasions like birthdays or work anniversaries to send a brief message. Share a learning experience of yours from time to time with your network. Spark a healthy debate or even easier, join in on one.

Want to go above and beyond? Offer your time to catch up over a call or lunch.

How about asking what book or novel they recently read or an inspiring movie.

There are a plethora of reasons to reach out to your network - not because you need them now, but because you will need them at a later stage in life.

We're human after all!

It's critical to maintain your network, despite it having individuals that are no longer a part of your day to day hustle and bustle.

Sometime later in your professional life when you have an upcoming interview or need to validate a product/market fit, seek advice in a particular industry, get a referral to acquire a new client or inquire about a role within their company you will need your network.

Plan ahead: Movement creates improvement!

Start your network nourishment process by creating a realistic habit to reach out to someone in your network that you had a great relationship with once upon a time. See what they are up to, pick their brains and tell them about your recent professional and perhaps a few personal updates as well.

You'll be surprised by how many people would be delighted to hear from you...I sincerely mean that!

Remember: As the years pass by and the number of individuals in your online social and professional networks go up...don't kid yourself and remember that if these relationships aren't nurtured, their value considerably declines...

...Therefore, the real funeral (i.e. dilemma) is what happened when only a "few-knew-Earl!"

Yours sincerely,

Ramy Ballout

Founder at AirLinked & Unconventional Coach and Confidant to Amazing People