The 3 Words You Need to Remember to Network with Success

Studies have shown that women who progressed to leadership roles made use of a mentoring or networking opportunity at some point in their career journey.

There really is no way around it — success isn’t truly possible without networking. And networking is most effective if you act on these three little words:

Close the loop.

Once you’ve gotten over the networking jitters and have made solid progress with whichever contact you pursued or were introduced to, be sure to close the loop. Sharing a personal story, for example: I spent quite a bit of time sharing my network with a woman who was eager to gain experience working for the UN. Fast forward, I actually only found out she had secured the job when she emailed me two years later(!) as her contract was about to expire...to ask me for more leads. Needless to say, I wasn’t too keen to help out again (I know — probably not my best attitude in the moment.)

The point here is to close the loop. The most under-utilized and under-valued phrase is “thank you.” When people take time to make a connection for you, they are taking a chance. At the very least, send a thank you follow-up, and if — even better — something wonderful transpires, let the person know and acknowledge their role in contributing to your success.

Why is this important?

#1: It allows the connector to also reach out to their contact and thank them.

#2. It helps them know whom they might be able to count on for any future networking opportunities.

Don’t know how to close the loop? Here are some sample thank you letters. Other options: keep an Excel spreadsheet, add a reminder to your calendar, send yourself a postcard, buy some thank you cards to keep on hand. (Going beyond an email can make a big impact!)

Growing your network also means growing your gratitude.

With joy,