What do you do if you want to maintain your professional networks after retirement?

1 Update your online profile

One of the easiest ways to stay visible and relevant in your industry is to update your online profile on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook. You can showcase your achievements, skills, interests, and projects that you are working on or involved in. You can also share valuable insights, articles, or resources that demonstrate your expertise and value. Updating your online profile regularly can help you attract new contacts, engage with existing ones, and showcase your personal brand.

2 Join or create a community

Another way to maintain your professional networks is to join or create a community of like-minded people who share your passion, goals, or challenges. You can find or start a community online or offline, depending on your preference and availability. For example, you can join a Facebook group, a Slack channel, a meetup, or a mastermind group that focuses on a specific topic or niche. You can also create your own community by inviting people you know or want to know to join you for a regular chat, webinar, podcast, or workshop. By joining or creating a community, you can offer and receive support, feedback, advice, and opportunities.

4 Attend or host events

One of the most effective ways to maintain your professional networks is to attend or host events that are relevant to your industry, interests, or goals. You can attend events such as conferences, workshops, seminars, webinars, or networking sessions that offer learning, networking, or collaboration opportunities. You can also host your own events, such as a lunch, a happy hour, a book club, or a panel discussion, where you can invite your contacts or potential contacts to join you for a conversation, a presentation, or a fun activity. Attending or hosting events can help you stay updated, connected, and visible in your field.

5 Follow up and follow through

The last but not the least tip to maintain your professional networks is to follow up and follow through with your contacts. You can follow up with them after an event, a meeting, a conversation, or an introduction by sending a thank-you note, a feedback request, a resource recommendation, or a proposal. You can also follow through with them by delivering on your promises, keeping them informed, asking for referrals, or offering referrals. Following up and following through can help you build trust, credibility, and rapport with your contacts and turn them into long-term relationships.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?