Which of the following is a step to expand your professional network?

• A. Make a good impression of yourself; collect contact information; follow up with a thank-you note afterward
• B. Ignore follow-up after initial meetings
• C. Limit outreach to a single person
• D. Wait for opportunities to come without networking

Answer: (A)

Expanding your professional network relies on active relationship-building and timely follow-up. The approach that focuses on making a strong first impression, collecting contact information, and then sending a thank-you note afterward is the most effective.

A good first impression helps others feel comfortable connecting again and makes you memorable. Collecting contact information gives you a way to stay in touch beyond the initial meeting, which is essential for maintaining momentum. Following up with a thank-you note reinforces the connection, shows appreciation, and sets the stage for future interactions or opportunities. Together, these steps turn a brief meeting into a lasting professional relationship.

The other options miss crucial elements of networking. Ignoring follow-up stops momentum and weakens the relationship. Limiting outreach to a single person narrows your potential opportunities and reduces your network’s breadth. Waiting for opportunities to appear is passive and unlikely to lead to meaningful connections or growth.

A practical tip: after meeting someone, exchange contact details if appropriate and send a brief, personalized thank-you message within a day or two referencing something you discussed.