One of the most common complaints I hear from veterans who are intrigued by the idea of building networking relationships is that they feel challenged by how to reciprocate and show gratitude.
"Is saying 'thank you' enough?" they ask me.
As networking should play a critical part in your civilian career, let's look at five ways you can show appreciation when someone in your network helps you. Maybe they've introduced you to another networking contact, referred you to a job prospect, advocated for you with an employer or mentored you through a career challenge.
To show gratitude, consider:
1. Offering Something of Value.
If the person you're networking with would benefit from an introduction to your colleague, boss, sister-in-law or coach, do so. Perhaps you can foresee a great business relationship forming, or your contact mentions they need assistance, and by providing this introduction, you're giving them the resource they require.
You might also consider sending a small token gift of appreciation if that item relates directly to something that's been mentioned in conversation or would be meaningful to your contact. Don't feel you have to purchase something expensive. Here, the gesture of appreciation will have value if the sentiment behind the gift is genuine.
2. Mentioning Them on Social Media.
Who doesn't enjoy a shout-out on LinkedIn, because they helped someone in their network? While you don't need to gush in praising and thanking your contact, publicly acknowledging their assistance can be a nice way to show appreciation.
Be careful mentioning any specific details about the help you were offered, as this might be confidential to your contact.
3. Offering to Coach Them.
Maybe you have expertise or knowledge about something they don't. Let's say your contact is seeking to learn more about the military experience, because they manage veterans in their job. You could offer to guide them on things to do or not do and say to build stronger relationships with the military community.
If someone in your network helps you get a job in project management and they're curious about that field, you could spend time with them sharing the insights you've gleaned and how you do your work.
4. Sending Them a Personalized, Handwritten Thank-You Note.
There are few things as appreciated as a personalized note of gratitude. Avoid just saying, "Thanks for the great advice. It worked!" and try to add more detail and context. Spell out what they did that was most meaningful, how you implemented their advice or steps, and what the result was for you.
For an example of a great thank-you note, view this video.
5. Following Up.
I often hear that following up feels like intruding or pestering. In fact, the opposite is true: When you fail to follow up on any advice, introductions or information that was shared with you, your network contact might feel unsatisfied that what they shared was of any benefit to you.
Let your contact know how the introduction panned out, what the advice they offered led you to realize or what questions still remain. This is not bothering them; it's showing that you do, in fact, consider their help and are putting their advice into action.
Networking is relationship building and, as such, needs to be curated and nurtured to thrive. When done correctly, your network will refer you, endorse you, offer you support and encouragement, and help you advance through your civilian career. The contacts in your network need to feel appreciated and recognized to maintain that relationship.
-- The author of "Success After Service: How to Take Control of Your Job Search and Career After Military Duty" (2020) and "Your Next Mission: A personal branding guide for the military-to-civilian transition" (2014), Lida Citroën is a keynote speaker and presenter, executive coach, popular TEDx speaker and instructor of multiple courses on LinkedIn Learning. She regularly presents workshops on personal branding, executive presence, leadership communication, and reputation risk management.
A contributing writer for Military.com, Lida is a passionate supporter of the military, volunteering her time to help veterans transition to civilian careers and assist employers who seek to hire military talent. She regularly speaks at conferences, corporate meetings and events focused on military transition.
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