How to Say “Keep in Touch” Professionally
In today’s fast-paced business world, maintaining professional connections is essential for career growth and success. Saying “keep in touch” is a polite way to express your desire to maintain a professional relationship with someone you have met or worked with. However, finding the right words to say “keep in touch” professionally can sometimes be challenging. In this article, we will explore various ways to express this sentiment effectively and provide answers to frequently asked questions about maintaining professional connections.
1. Choose the Right Medium:
When it comes to saying “keep in touch,” it’s important to consider the appropriate medium for communication. The choice of medium depends on your relationship with the person and the nature of your interaction. Email is generally the most popular and professional way to express your desire to stay connected. However, if you have a closer relationship or work in the same company, a face-to-face conversation or a phone call might be more appropriate.
2. Express Genuine Interest:
When reaching out to someone, it’s essential to convey genuine interest in maintaining a professional connection rather than just going through the motions. Begin the conversation expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to work together or meet, and highlight a specific aspect of the interaction that resonated with you. This will demonstrate sincerity and help establish a solid foundation for future communication.
3. Be Clear and Specific:
While it is important to express your desire to stay connected, it is equally crucial to be clear and specific about your intentions. Vague statements like “let’s keep in touch” can be easily forgotten or dismissed. Instead, specify how you would like to maintain the connection. For example, you could suggest scheduling a follow-up meeting, joining a professional networking group together, or connecting on social media platforms such as LinkedIn.
4. Offer Value:
To ensure that your “keep in touch” request is well-received, consider offering some form of value to the other person. This could be sharing relevant industry news, providing helpful resources, or offering your expertise on a particular subject. By demonstrating that you are willing to contribute to their professional growth as well, you increase the likelihood of maintaining a lasting connection.
5. Follow up:
After expressing your desire to stay connected, it is crucial to follow up on your words. It is common for people to make promises but fail to act upon them. To avoid this, make sure to follow up within a reasonable time frame. Send a personalized email or message, referencing your previous conversation and reiterating your interest in staying connected. This will demonstrate your commitment and reliability.
FAQs about Keeping in Touch Professionally:
Q1: Should I reach out immediately after meeting someone for the first time?
A1: It is generally recommended to wait a day or two before reaching out. This allows the person to process the initial interaction and avoids coming across as too eager or pushy.
Q2: What if I don’t have anything specific to offer?
A2: Even if you don’t have immediate value to offer, expressing genuine interest and staying connected can still be valuable in the long run. Relationships take time to develop, and opportunities may arise in the future where you can be of assistance.
Q3: How often should I reach out to maintain a professional connection?
A3: The frequency of communication depends on the nature of the relationship and the level of interaction. Aim for occasional check-ins every few months or whenever there is a relevant update or milestone to share.
Q4: What if the other person doesn’t respond to my “keep in touch” request?
A4: Don’t take it personally. People are often busy, and they may not always have the time or capacity to respond immediately. If you don’t receive a response, wait a reasonable amount of time before reaching out again or consider it a sign that the connection may not be a priority for them at the moment.
In conclusion, saying “keep in touch” professionally is a valuable skill that can help nurture and expand your professional network. By choosing the right medium, expressing genuine interest, being clear and specific, offering value, and following up, you can establish and maintain meaningful connections that can contribute to your long-term success. Remember, professional relationships are a two-way street, so be proactive in nurturing them while maintaining respect for others’ time and commitments.