What do you do if your networking contacts as a motivational speaker need nurturing?

1. Stay connected: Regularly reach out to your network through personalized communication to stay top of mind. 2. Provide value: Share relevant resources, insights, or opportunities to show your commitment to helping your contacts. 3. Have meaningful conversations: Start discussions to understand your contacts' needs and offer genuine support or advice. 4. Attend networking events: Meet contacts in person, strengthen relationships, and explore potential collaborations. 5. Keep contacts informed: Share updates on your projects, achievements, and express gratitude for their support regularly. 6. Be responsive: Respond promptly to messages to demonstrate your dedication to open communication and building trust.

If you’re a motivational speaker then you should have a podcast or YouTube channel, so invite your old contacts in to the channel and record a one to one chat where you get an opportunity to discuss motivation etc and find out what they are up to and where you might be able to work together etc. Zoom is great for this and you can upload the audio to your podcast and the video to your you tube channel then share snippets of the content to your social media. A great way for you both or all to showcase what you do, get cross pollination to each others contacts and get reconnected with any of your old contacts! Efficient way to reconnect, create contact and market each other, all in just an hour or so of connection!

𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Consistent communication is key to nurturing networking contacts. Stay in touch through various channels such as email, phone calls, social media, or in-person meetings. 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡: Recognize that each networking contact is unique and may require a different approach to nurturing. Tailor your communication and interactions based on factors such as their interests, preferences and professional goals. Personalization demonstrates genuine care and interest in the individual, strengthening the bond between you.

One of the best ways to add value to new connections and old connections at the same time is by introducing them to people who you know they will get on with or be able to partner or collaborate together on. So do a three way LinkedIn or WhatsApp post with introductions to both parties explaining why you think they should chat and let them get on with it. Often this will lead to some great connections back your way but whether that happens or not you will have added value to two connections and this will help build trust with both of them who will come to realise that your a giver and not a taker. The sort of person who is worth trusting and doing business or collaborations with, now or in the future when the timing is right.

Reciprocal Relationships To nurture your networking contacts, prioritize adding value to their lives. Identify opportunities to support them personally or professionally. Share relevant articles, events, or resources that align with their objectives, demonstrating your investment in their success. By offering thoughtful gestures, you strengthen the bond and establish yourself as a valuable ally. Aim to foster mutual growth and support, showcasing your genuine interest in their journey. Remember, cultivating relationships is about giving without expectations, building a network based on trust, respect, and genuine care.

𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐬: Not all networking contacts will require the same level of attention. Prioritize contacts based on factors such as the potential for collaboration, mutual benefit or the significance of the relationship to your career goals. 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐞: Provide value to your networking contacts in ways that are meaningful to them. This could include sharing relevant resources, offering insights or advice based on your expertise, or making introductions to other professionals in your network who could benefit them.

Consistent Connection To nurture networking contacts, prioritize regular engagement to sustain meaningful relationships. Strike a balance by staying connected without overwhelming them. Celebrate their wins on social media, send periodic check-ins, or schedule brief calls for updates. Show genuine interest in their progress and well-being. By being present and engaged, you reinforce the bond and convey your commitment to their success. Cultivate a harmonious cadence that keeps the connection alive and thriving, fostering a network built on mutual respect and support.

Innovative Partnerships Revitalize your network relationships through creative collaborations. Explore joint ventures like hosting lives, embarking on projects together, or sparking idea exchanges. By joining forces, you not only fortify your bond but also unlock shared advantages and reach fresh audiences. Embrace the synergy of collaboration for mutual growth and expansion. These dynamic partnerships sow the seeds for thrilling ventures, nurturing trust and camaraderie among your network contacts.

As you are a motivational speak you could share some of your favourite motivational books or other speakers that you like to listen to and also get recommendations in return. You could even do joint marketing campaigns to each others social media where you talk about these books and speakers and say what you like about them and what you’ve learnt etc. Helping you to cross pollinate each others audiences. You could post “here a list of books recommended by x and tag them in and this is why x has recommended them and why you should check them out to. And they could do the same. Great content for you both and helping you both to reach each others audiences and expand your networks.

𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲: Actively listen to your networking contacts to understand their needs, challenges, and aspirations. Show empathy and genuine interest in their experiences and offer support or guidance when appropriate. 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Express gratitude for your networking contacts' support, advice or contributions. A simple thank you goes a long way in reinforcing the relationship and making your contacts feel valued and appreciated.

Whether you are doing business or not with your connections as your never to sure when they might need you or meet someone else who needs you so remember to stay in touch. A quick call every 3 to 6 months can keep the relationship building and maybe attending some joint events or other joint interest occasions can also help to build the relationship further. Also if your connected on LinkedIn and other socials then don’t forget to tag them in in posts that you know they would like and share other relevant content. Keep the connection strong so that you remain top of mind at the opportunity or some they remember to refer to etc.