How well do you nurture your network?

Our reader poll today asks: How well do you cultivate and maintain the relationships in your professional network?

– I respond to check-ins from others but don’t reach out much on my own: 46%
– I regularly reach out to people to check in and see what they’re up to: 44%
– I reach out only when I’m looking for a job: 6%
– I reach out when I can connect two of my connections: 4%

One of the greatest assets you have is your network. In a world where job change is more frequent, business partnerships are more distributed and communication tools are ubiquitous, there’s no excuse not to actively manage your network.

For the 6% of you who only reach out when you’re looking for a job, realize that it comes across poorly that the only time you’re interested in connecting with someone is when you need something. For the 44% who are actively managing the network, you know it doesn’t take much effort to stay connected with people, and I’ll venture to guess you’ve seen some great relationships grow and opportunities arise as a direct result of those connections.

Start connecting today, folks. You’ll be glad you did.

Do you agree with these poll results?  Let us know in the comments below!

– Mike Figliuolo at thoughtLEADERS, LLC

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These results were originally a SmartPulse poll in SmartBrief on Leadership which tracks feedback from more than 190,000 business leaders. Get smarter on leadership and sign up for the SmartBrief on Leadership e-newsletter.