1. Follow-up is key

Are you really an admin if you never follow up? It’s a non-negotiable that every single client asks for.

Consistent follow-up is crucial for building and maintaining relationships:

• Be reliable: Follow-up is a non-negotiable skill that every client expects from a VA.
• Provide value: The main reason people don't follow up is that they don't think the connection is valuable or they can't provide value. Remember, networking is always about receiving and providing value.
• Be consistent: There's no hard rule on how often to follow up, but at the very least, check in once a quarter to stay on people's radar.
• Use your calendar: No fancy software needed – simply put follow-ups in your calendar after each networking event. Be sure to add notes to jog your memory.

Adding value: Even if you don't have an immediate business opportunity to offer, you can still add value:

• Ask about their needs: Sometimes adding value is as simple as asking if they have any current needs or "asks."
• Offer support: This could be launch support, introductions to people in your network, survey responses, or sharing their content with a wider audience.
• Create positive experiences: Remember Maya Angelou's words: "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

2. Sustainable networking

To make networking a sustainable part of your business:

• Consider all factors: Think about the time, frequency, cost, and commitment required for each networking opportunity.
• Think long-term: Even when you're just starting out, approach networking as if you already have a full client roster. This will help you choose sustainable practices.
• Enjoy the process: If you don't enjoy your networking process, you won't find energy in it, and it won't be sustainable.