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How can I maintain my academic network without being annoying or spammy?

I've made some good connections, but I don't want to bother people with constant emails. What are some genuine, non-intrusive ways to stay on their radar over the years between conferences?

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By Kushi Gupta Answered 1 year ago

The key is low-frequency, high-value contact. I recommend a touchpoint once or twice a year at most, linked to a specific, relevant reason. Good reasons include: 1) Sharing a resource: "I read this paper and immediately thought of your work on X." 2) Congratulating: A brief email for a new publication, award, or promotion. 3) Updating on a shared interest: "Your advice on Y was helpful; my project evolved in this direction..." 4) Inviting to an event (sparingly): "My department is hosting a talk on Z; thought you might be interested." 5) Engaging publicly: Commenting on or sharing their new blog post or preprint on social media. This shows you're attentive and collegial without demanding a response. The goal is to be a thoughtful member of their professional community, not a persistent contact.

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