Summer has a rhythm all its own. Or does it? Calendars are lighter, vacations are scattered across the season, and the pace of conferences and networking events temporarily slows. It’s tempting to let relationship building take a back seat until everyone is back in the office after Labor Day.
That would be a missed opportunity. Some of the strongest professional relationships aren’t built during conference season—they’re strengthened in the quieter moments after or between events. When there isn’t an agenda, a pitch, or a crowded ballroom competing for attention, a thoughtful touchpoint can have an even greater impact.
The good news? Maintaining your network doesn’t require hours of your time or another coffee meeting on an already full calendar. In fact, some of the most meaningful interactions take less than five minutes.
Share Something That Made You Think of Them
I’d like to give you permission now to not send a generic “checking in” message. Instead, send something with purpose. A market article, podcast episode, destination restaurant idea, book recommendation, or industry trend accompanied by a simple note like: “This came across my feed and I immediately thought of our conversation this spring. Curious what you think.” It’s personal, relevant, and invites conversation without demanding it.
Celebrate Their Wins
Promotions, speaking engagements, board appointments, company milestones, and published articles deserve recognition. Take a moment to congratulate them publicly on LinkedIn or send a private message, even if you’re a few weeks late. And not just the basic “Congratulations 🎉” prompt that LinkedIn suggests – you have to make it unique and thoughtful. People remember those who celebrate their success, especially if it is authentic. Not because it’s expected, but because it’s genuine, which is a rarity today.
Make an Introduction
One of the most valuable things you can offer your network isn’t information. It’s access.
If two people would genuinely benefit from knowing each other, make the introduction. The strongest connectors are remembered because they consistently create opportunities for others. Don’t wait until someone asks for an intro – not many women will. Also, don’t forget to use my intro template!
Ask for Their Perspective
Senior professionals are often asked for their time but rarely for their expertise. Reach out with a thoughtful question: “I’d love your perspective on something I’ve been thinking about.” People appreciate being valued for their insight, and these conversations often become more memorable than routine networking updates. Women especially want to help, so if you ask for insights, you will more than likely get something of greater value.
Send a Vacation (or Staycation) Recommendation
Summer provides a wonderful excuse to be human. If someone mentions traveling to a city you know well, recommend your favorite restaurant, walking trail, bookstore, or local coffee shop. These seemingly small gestures demonstrate that you pay attention and care about the person behind the professional title. This applies to staycations as well. Found a great new restaurant or coffee meeting space in NYC? Share it as a touch point. Relationships deepen through shared experiences, not just shared industries.
Reconnect Without an Agenda
Perhaps the simplest message is often the most effective. “It’s been a while since we’ve talked. I hope you’re having a great summer. I was thinking about our conversation earlier this year and wanted to see how things are going.” No ask. No sales pitch. No expectation. Just connection.
Ironically, these are often the conversations that lead to the most meaningful opportunities because they’re built on genuine interest rather than immediate need.
The Power of Consistency
Business development isn’t confined to conference halls, networking receptions, or formal meetings. It’s built through consistent, thoughtful interactions over time.
Five minutes may not seem like much, but repeated over the course of a summer, those small touchpoints become something much larger: trust, familiarity, and the kind of relationships that continue to create opportunities long after conference season has ended.
This week, choose five people you’d like to stay connected with before Labor Day. Spend five minutes reaching out to each of them. You may be surprised by how much momentum a simple conversation can create.
Happy networking!
WRITTEN BY HANNAH WYNNYK
President & COO of Kayo Conference Series
