Most people are not very good at staying in touch. Too many only get in touch when they need something. Some are actually quite terrible at staying in touch at all. There are reasons, of course, which have nothing to do with one's desire, but rather one's capacity.
Social psychology teaches us that we are rarely capable of intimately maintaining networks of more than 150 people. The 80/20 rule implies that only 20% of the people in our networks provide 80% of the significant resources that are essential to our missions, businesses, and well-being. This fact underscores the importance of staying in touch with that shortlist of people that matter most to us.
Staying in touch, therefore, is not an issue of concentration, but rather dedication. Unfortunately, while we have gained the technological tools to reach out to people with relative ease, we are choosing to only "touch base" with them instead of connecting with them emotionally and physically. We are more technically connected and emotionally disconnected now than in any time in history.
Staying in touch, therefore, is not an issue of concentration, but rather dedication. Unfortunately, while we have gained the technological tools to reach out to people with relative ease, we are choosing to only "touch base" with them instead of connecting with them emotionally and physically. We are more technically connected and emotionally disconnected now than in any time in history.
Touching base is perfunctory; even transactional. Truly connecting with someone is both meaningful and rewarding. And when you say you stay "in contact" with someone, what you are really saying is that you have access to them when you want or need it. Staying "in touch" means that you possess deeper personal knowledge about someone's well-being and life's experiences.
The importance of staying in touch, from a networking perspective, cannot be emphasized enough. People prefer to do business with those that they know, like, and ultimately trust. Staying in touch is the impetus for facilitating the very intimacy that creates the special bond that both distinguishes and endears.
Ask yourself if there is someone you need to get in touch with? A better question question might be: Is there someone who holds significance to you that may not be aware of it, or who it would behoove you to express that sentiment to?
If yes (and the answer is always yes) you should do so now.
The importance of staying in touch, from a networking perspective, cannot be emphasized enough. People prefer to do business with those that they know, like, and ultimately trust. Staying in touch is the impetus for facilitating the very intimacy that creates the special bond that both distinguishes and endears.
Ask yourself if there is someone you need to get in touch with? A better question question might be: Is there someone who holds significance to you that may not be aware of it, or who it would behoove you to express that sentiment to?
If yes (and the answer is always yes) you should do so now.
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