I’m Great at Collecting Business Cards — Terrible at Staying in Touch

I recently attended a seminar called Network 101 for my Professional Practices class. It was offered as extra credit, but I signed up because I genuinely wanted to learn how to build relationships as a creative professional. One of my long-term goals isn’t to retire in the traditional sense — I want to become a full-time freelancer by the time I’m 65. That vision motivates me. But it also highlights a challenge I’ve carried for years: I struggle to stay connected with people after we meet.

I’ve collected business cards from classmates, collaborators, and professionals — only to tuck them away for months or years. Eventually, I’d throw them out, realizing I never followed up. And now, I wish I hadn’t. Those cards represented opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, and community. I’ve crossed paths with incredible people, but I rarely followed through. Time passed. Connections faded. Sometimes decades.

Why Staying in Touch Is Hard

I used to think I was just too busy. But the truth is deeper. After networking events, I often feel emotionally drained. I wanted to reach out, but I don’t know what to say. I worry about how I’ll be perceived, or whether my message will feel awkward or forced. I tell myself I’ll follow up later — and later becomes never.

I’ve learned that many creatives feel this way. We value authentic connection, not performative outreach. We want our follow-ups to feel meaningful, not transactional. And that takes emotional bandwidth we don’t always have.

Designing Connection That Feels Like Me

Networking doesn’t have to be constant. It can be intentional. And for me, that means finding low-pressure ways to stay connected that align with how I work.

Instead of frequent check-ins or rigid routines, I’ve started using my newsletter and social media as gentle, consistent ways to stay in touch. My goal is to have my newsletter go out once a month which will includes blog highlights, creative updates, and reflections on design and storytelling. It’s not just promotional — it’s a way to share what I’m learning and building and invite others into that process.

Social media also plays a role. I use it to share behind-the-scenes glimpses, project previews, and thoughts on accessibility and emotional clarity in design. These platforms help me stay visible without feeling performative. They let me connect on my own terms — visually, modularly, and with intention.

For creatives who struggle with follow-up, I recommend finding communication tools that reflect your workflow. Whether it’s a blog, a newsletter, or a visual post, connection can be designed to feel authentic and sustainable.

If you’ve ever struggled to stay in touch after a great conversation, you’re not alone. Connection takes effort. But it also takes empathy. And that’s something I’m learning to design into my practice — one blog post, one project, one thoughtful share at a time.