When was the last time your mentor heard from you?

The quickest way to damage a professional relationship is to treat it like a transaction. This happens if you only contact people when you need something, like a job referral or a recommendation. If a mentor only hears from you when you want help, they may feel used, and the relationship can fade. This habit can burn bridges and make you seem self-centered.

Real networking is an investment that takes time to grow. It’s about building relationships over months and years, not just getting quick favors. To create a strong professional circle, focus on building real connections, not just asking for help. Keep in touch with people in small ways. If someone gives you advice, use it and then follow up later with a quick note: “Hi Sarah, I applied the spreadsheet tip you gave me, and it saved our team hours this week. Thanks again!” This shows you value their time and respect their advice.

Also, look for small ways to give back, even if you’re just starting out. You could share an interesting article, help with a tech tool, or congratulate someone on a recent achievement. When you treat networking as something to care for over time, not just a task to finish, you build a strong, lasting network of real supporters.

Put these approaches into practice.

Let’s look at practical ways to move from a transactional mindset to actively maintaining your connections.