Keeping Warm-Trust-Based Referral Cultivation

Example

After an initial meeting, scheduling another one-on-one in two to three months to catch up, discuss any updates, and continue building the relationship.

Scenario

You've just had a great coffee meeting with a new contact where you discussed industry trends. As part of the Keeping Warm process, you plan to reach out in a couple of months to touch base again, keeping the connection active and showing sustained interest in their work.

Example

Identifying ways you can help your contacts, such as sharing a relevant book, connecting them with another professional, or recommending them for opportunities.

Scenario

During a conversation, a contact mentions struggling with digital marketing. You follow up by sending them a helpful guide on the topic and introducing them to a marketing expert you know, thereby adding value to the relationship.

Example

Bringing together your contact and another individual from your network who could benefit from knowing each other, over lunch.

Scenario

You realize that two of your contacts—one in software sales and the other managing a tech startup—could mutually benefit from an introduction. You organize a network lunch to facilitate this, helping to strengthen your relationship with both.

Example

Sending personalized greetings or acknowledgments during holidays, significant milestones, or achievements.

Scenario

A contact recently won an industry award. You send a congratulatory note and share their achievement on social media, recognizing their success and further solidifying your connection.

Example

Actively liking, commenting on, and sharing your contacts' posts on platforms like LinkedIn to stay engaged and show support.

Scenario

You notice a contact has shared an insightful article relevant to your industry on LinkedIn. You engage with the post and add a thoughtful comment, keeping the lines of communication open and supportive.