Maintaining strong links is about keeping frequent contact and adding value with every contact. I can’t always talk with them, but I can send along something interesting from time time. This keeps me in their mind, and related to something positive and useful. I need to plan ahead and find ways to have more social contact and have it not always being an operational conversation. One thing I relied on in the past is ask others for advice. It’s makes them feel good to give advice, I learn something new, and learn more about them as they describe their advice to me.