Ways to Engage Former Colleagues in Networking

“I’ve met a lot of great people during my internship, but how do I actually stay in touch with them?” Here are 7 simple ways to keep those relationships alive. But first, let's be clear — you do NOT need to stay in touch with everyone you meet. Focus on the people who added the most value to you and who you genuinely want to stay in touch with. ("Value" is subjective — it can be anyone whose advice, example, or thoughts inspired you.) — 1.  Ask for a second conversation The simplest, most direct approach. If you found value in the first conversation, let them know and ask if they’d be open to staying in touch: “I really appreciated our conversation — would love to reconnect down the line once I’ve made progress on [X]. Would that be okay?” This sets the tone for an ongoing relationship instead of a one-off exchange. — 2. Send a thank you after your internship If someone helped you during your internship, send a thank-you message before you leave. Make it specific: “Thanks again for all your support on [X] this summer, Jamie. Your advice on [Y] helped me a lot — I’ll definitely carry it with me going forward!” Gratitude builds goodwill and reinforces the connection. — 3. Action item updates During your conversation, ask what they'd recommend you do to grow in your field. This could be a podcast, a person to connect with, a skill to build, etc. Then do it. Afterward, send a quick update: “Hi Rob! Thanks again for the recommendation to [do X] — I just got done and gained a lot from it. Here's what I learned...” This simple note shows follow-through and keeps the relationship active. — 4. Share a relevant resource If you come across an article, podcast, or another resource that might be relevant to them, send it. "Hi Sally! I came across this [resource] this morning and thought it might be useful. See below. Hope it's helpful!" A low-effort, thoughtful way to engage. — 5. Engage with their content If they post content, a simple like or a thoughtful comment keeps you on their radar without the need to send a full DM or email. These are smart, light touch points in between your other communications. — 6. Send an update or a question Every so often, reach out with purposeful updates or questions related to something you've previously discussed. "Hi Ed! Last time we spoke, you recommended I take a course on Organizational Behavior. I just wrapped up the semester and loved the course! Are there other relevant courses you think I should look into?" — 7. Celebrate their wins If they announce a promotion, launch a project, or speak at an event, send a quick message: “Congrats on the promotion, Mel! I know you'll do well in the new role.” It shows you’re paying attention and rooting for them. — PS. Staying in touch is not just about constant messages or grand actions. Even light check-ins (done well) can lead to long-term professional relationships.

You don’t need to attend awkward networking events to build connections. Here are 10 ways to network online (from your couch) to land your dream job, mentorship or just to stay in touch: 1. Start with warm calls, not cold DMs Reaching out to strangers is intimidating. So, begin with people you already admire or respect: past colleagues, old classmates, mentors, or anyone you’ve gotten value from. Reach out, share your goals, ask for advice, or simply reconnect. — 2. Build (or join) a 3-6 person mastermind Invite people you admire to check in monthly or quarterly. Ask 3 simple questions in each meeting: • What’s your biggest win? • What’s your biggest challenge? • How can we help each other? This becomes your personal board of advisors, and their networks become yours, too. — 3. Make intros within your own network Instead of always trying to add new people, try connecting two people you already know. It builds goodwill, and often sparks reciprocity. Some of my best opportunities came from introductions I made first. — 4. Be the tortoise, not the hare Strong networks aren’t built in a week. They come from consistency, trust, and staying top of mind. Check in. Celebrate small wins. Be helpful, even without asking for anything.  — 5. Send snail mail Want to stand out in a sea of LinkedIn messages? Send a handwritten card or even a fun comic with a note. The person will always remember your “extra” effort. — 6. Elevate the interaction • Only chatted with someone online? Try a call. • Had a few calls? Try a Zoom meeting. • Know them over Zoom? Meet up in person. Each upgrade strengthens the connection. — 7. Pick one platform to dominate Instead of being everywhere, go deep somewhere. For example, if it’s LinkedIn: • Endorse people • Write thoughtful comments • Share niche insights your network actually values   This depth pays off more than shallow visibility. — 8. Curate, don’t just connect Curate the best insights, tools, or articles in your niche, and share them regularly. You’ll become a trusted source people keep coming back or referring to. — 9. Do something fun together Shared activities build bonds. This could be as simple as playing a game, joining a sweepstakes, or co-hosting a webinar.  People remember who made them feel something. — 10. Swipe right (yes, really) Apps like Shapr or Invitly are designed for warm outreach — you match with people who want to meet others. It’s cold networking without the awkwardness. Networking isn’t about pitching. It’s about planting seeds. Start with one person. Reach out. Reconnect.  Then keep showing up, helping others, and making connections that count.

🌐 Are Your Networking Messages Going Unanswered? Here’s How to Change That! 🌐 If you’re reaching out to people and not hearing back, you’re not alone. Many job seekers experience this—but here’s the thing: Networking isn’t just about sending messages; it’s about building genuine connections. Here’s how to get responses and turn your outreach into real opportunities: 1️⃣ Shift from Cold Outreach to Warm Introductions The “cold message” can often be met with silence. Start by reaching out to people who already know, like, and trust you—your power circle (friends, past colleagues, or even family members). They’re more likely to introduce you to someone in your target company, turning a cold connection into a warm introduction. 👉 Example: Message a former coworker: “Hi [Name], I’m exploring roles in [Industry] and thought of reaching out to you for advice. Do you know anyone at [Company] who might be open to a chat?” 2️⃣ Make It Easy for People to Help You Be specific about the kind of help you’re seeking. It’s easier for someone to assist if they know exactly what you’re looking for! Provide a shortlist of companies or roles to give them direction. 👉 Example: “I’m currently focused on roles at [Company A, Company B, Company C]. If you know anyone there who could offer insight, I’d appreciate any connection or advice you might have!” 3️⃣ Personalize Every Message Generic outreach messages are easy to ignore. Show you’ve done your research by referencing something specific about the person’s work, recent achievements, or shared connections. Personal touches help your message stand out from the crowd. 👉 Example: “Hi [Name], I saw your post about [Topic], and I really appreciated your insights. I’d love to connect and learn more about your role at [Company] as I explore similar opportunities.” 4️⃣ Focus on Relationship-Building, Not Immediate Favors Networking is more than just reaching out with a request. Engage with your connections over time by commenting on their posts, sharing resources, or offering help where you can. When you nurture relationships, people are more willing to help when the time comes. 👉 Example: “I noticed you’re speaking at [Event]. Congrats! If there’s any way I can help promote it, let me know.” Showing support without asking for anything in return builds goodwill. 5️⃣ Follow Up, but Don’t Be Pushy People get busy, and your message may have slipped through the cracks. A polite follow-up can remind them without feeling intrusive. Give it at least a week before sending a gentle nudge. �� Example: “Hi [Name], I just wanted to circle back in case my last message got buried. I’d still love to connect when you have a chance. Thank you!” 💡 Final Thought: Networking isn’t a one-time outreach—it’s an ongoing relationship. Build trust, offer support, and be specific in your asks. This approach won’t just get your messages noticed; it’ll help you grow meaningful connections over time.

Maintaining professional relationships with colleagues who have left your organization can be a valuable asset for career and personal growth. Here are some tips on how to do it: Stay connected on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a great platform to stay connected with former colleagues. You can follow their updates, share articles and resources, and even send them a quick message to catch up. Send them a congratulatory message when they move on to a new job or promotion. This shows that you are supportive of their career growth and that you are still interested in their professional journey. Attend industry events together. Industry events are a great way to reconnect with former colleagues and catch up on their latest projects and initiatives. Offer your help and expertise. If your former colleague is starting their own business or taking on a new challenge, offer your help and expertise. This could involve providing advice, making introductions, or offering mentorship. Be a good referral partner. If you hear about a job opportunity that would be a good fit for a former colleague, be sure to refer them. This could help them land their next great job and further strengthen your professional relationship. A wider network of contacts. The more people you know in your industry, the more opportunities you will have for career advancement and collaboration. Access to new information and insights. Former colleagues can provide you with valuable insights into their new companies and industries. Potential mentors and advisors. Former colleagues can offer you guidance and support as you navigate your career. A source of referrals and recommendations. Former colleagues can provide you with positive references and recommendations when you are looking for a new job. You can build a strong network of contacts, access valuable information and insights, and gain potential mentors and advisors. These relationships can also lead to new opportunities and collaborations, further enhancing your career prospects. Remember, professional relationships are a two-way street. Be sure to reciprocate the effort and support that your former colleagues provide you. This will help to strengthen your bonds and ensure that your professional relationships remain mutually beneficial. Additional tips: Personalize your interactions. When you connect with a former colleague, take the time to personalize your interactions. This could involve sending them a message about a recent project they worked on or congratulating them on a personal achievement. Be genuine and authentic. When you interact with former colleagues, be genuine and authentic. Let them know that you value their friendship and professional relationship. Be patient. Building and maintaining professional relationships takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't hear back from a former colleague immediately. Keep in touch and continue to nurture the relationship over time.

Don’t wait until you need a network to build one. It could cost you your next job. A few months ago, I started working with a Chief Operating Officer who had been with the same company for 17 years. He was loyal. He showed up every day. He built teams, delivered results, and never looked elsewhere. Then, one Monday morning — a restructuring email landed in his inbox. His role was eliminated. No warning. No conversation. Just… gone. When we started working together, he said something I’ll never forget: ➜ “Chris, I gave this company everything. And now I’m on the market with no one to call. I was too busy working to build a network.” This is so common ESPECIALLY for high-performing execs. You give. You deliver. You stay in your lane. But the truth is: Your network is your career insurance. And if you don’t invest in it consistently — when the time comes, you’ll be starting from zero. We rebuilt his approach from the ground up: 1) Identified 3 industries where he had transferable experience. 2) Built a list of 50 former colleagues, clients, and vendor partners from 10+ years ago. 3) Crafted a 3-line message to reconnect and ask for insight (not a job). 4) Created a new LinkedIn profile that positioned him as a strategic operator — not just “loyal” or “tenured.” 5) And shifted from reactive job apps to warm conversations. In just 6 weeks, he had two interviews from referrals — and one offer came from a former peer turned CEO. He’s now back in the game. More energized. And building relationships intentionally this time around. ➜ If you’ve been heads down for years: I GET IT. But now (& IN THIS MARKET) is the time to lift your head up. Start with this: 1) List 15 people you used to work with and respect 2) Reach out with a message like: “Hey, I’ve always appreciated working with you — and I saw you're currently working at Company X. Would you be open to catching up on a virtual coffee chat?” Your network doesn’t have to be huge. It just needs to be activated. And the best time to do it? Before you need it. #JobSearch #ExecutiveCareers #Networking #CSuite #GetHired #CSG

Don't reach out cold until you have spoken and reconnected with all these people first and have asked for AIR + explained exactly what you are looking for. 🎈 Advice - career advice, job search advice, career pivot advice 🎈 Information - What's going on in the company, industry? What trends are they seeing? 🎈 Recommendations - Who do they recommend you speak with to learn more? What professional associations or groups do they recommend? Where do they go or what do they read to stay current? 🎯 Contact ALL these People So They Know What You Are Looking For 1. People You Used To Work With Your past work colleagues have seen you perform in the job and know your strengths and work ethic. These people make an excellent source of information to find out what changes are going on in the business and industry. You want to let them know you are looking for a new opportunity. 2. Friends, Family, Neighbors People you know are most likely to want to help you if they can. Your friends have a vast network of contacts you don’t know about. 3. Past Managers Assuming you and your previous manager or supervisor got along, it’s a good idea to reach out to them. Your past boss may know of upcoming opportunities at your old company 4. Target Company Employees Talking with people who work inside a company you're interested in allows you to learn what it is really like to work there. Plus they can provide advice and/or insight on the best way to apply. 5. Alumni/Classmates Don’t forget to tap into classmates, professors, and alumni as another potential pool of people to network with. Use LinkedIn's Alumni tool plus your school’s Advancement or Alumni office database. 6. Customers/Clients The people you’ve served already know you and are familiar with your work. Lean on them as a source of information about what’s going on. Your customers and clients have a feel of the work landscape and future needs. This information will help you position your most important skills and experience. 7. Vendors/Suppliers Similar to your clients and customers, these people know what it’s like to do business with you. They also have a finger on the pulse of what’s happening in your industry because they are still servicing businesses. 8. Service Providers (Doctors, accountants, hairdresser, etc.) Don’t overlook the business relationships you have with professionals who provide you with services. These people have their own vast network of contacts. 9. Fellow Volunteers If you volunteer, you’ve likely established relationships with other volunteers and people within the organization. These people have seen you give your time and effort.

Build connections when you don’t need them, so they’re there when you do. Networking is a long‑term investment. You never know what can happen tomorrow, whether it’s a new opportunity, an unexpected challenge, or a career pivot. By cultivating relationships early, you turn strangers into allies and potential into possibility. My pro‑tip? Develop your personal value proposition. 
- List your top 3–5 strengths and concrete examples of how you’ve helped others 
- Turn each into an “I help…” statement (for example, “I help marketing teams drive engagement through data‑driven storytelling”) 
- Use these statements to guide every outreach, ensuring you’re always offering value, not just asking for favors Then start from what you know. 1. Choose 5–10 people from your alumni network, former classmates, or close colleagues 2. Send a genuine note, share an article they might find helpful, congratulate them on a recent win, or simply ask how you can support them 3. No agenda. Just curiosity and a willingness to help Next, venture into the unknown. 1. Identify people at companies you admire or in roles you aspire to 2. Do your homework: reference a recent project, article, or speaking engagement 3. Reach out with a clear, value‑first message: “I enjoyed your piece on X; as someone looking to Y, I’d love to learn how you approached Z.” And keep the momentum going. 
- Schedule quarterly reminders to check in, share insights, celebrate milestones, or ask a thoughtful question 
- Track key dates (promotions, product launches, anniversaries) so your messages feel timely Your network matters. When you need advice, an introduction, or anything really, you’ll already have authentic connections. And at the end of the day, already built connections where you can leverage the relationships > dry unknowns ‘Hey, I need help’ messages. #StephSynergy

Ever had a conversation that led to a new opportunity? That’s the real power of a genuine network. In fact, LinkedIn research shows that 85% of jobs are filled through networking rather than direct applications. Some of my best brand partnerships and even a few job offers have come from reaching out to my contacts – but here’s the key: it’s always about creating value for them too. (Did you know that 63% of companies offer referral bonuses when employees bring in new hires? It’s a win-win!) If you’re looking to unlock the potential of your network without feeling sales-y, here are a few simple strategies: Be Genuine – Start by asking, “How can I help this person?” Genuine curiosity and interest go a long way. Research shows that small, regular gestures build lasting professional relationships. Stay Engaged – Keep in touch with simple check-ins. A quick congratulations, a shared article, or a message saying, “I thought of you when I saw this!” are easy ways to keep connections warm. Offer Real Value – LinkedIn data shows people are 4x more likely to respond to messages that bring value, like shared resources or mutual opportunities. When you reach out, focus on the benefits for them as well. Networking is more than a tool; it’s a community effort. With the right approach, everyone gains. How has your network helped you? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your story! (And if this helped, a share would mean a lot!) #NetworkingTips #CareerGrowth #CommunityOverCompetition #BusinessConnections

Tired of being ignored on LinkedIn? It’s time to stop cold messaging and start connecting authentically. Instead of sending out cold messages that rarely get a response, try engaging with your existing connections in a meaningful way. Here are three powerful strategies: 1️⃣ Leave thoughtful comments: Start by commenting on posts from people you’ve lost touch with or want to connect with. Adding genuine, insightful comments can start conversations naturally. Remember, it’s about quality, not quantity. 2️⃣ Use the “catch-up” feature: LinkedIn notifies you of milestones like work anniversaries, promotions, and birthdays. Go to your My Network tab and you'll see the word "Catch-Up." Use these natural opportunities to re-engage without it feeling random or forced. It’s an easy way to show you're open to conversations. 3️⃣ Write recommendations: Writing a recommendation can be one of the most impactful ways to reconnect. Not only does it add value to your contact, but it also opens up the conversation. Authenticity is key. Don’t force interactions—let them grow organically. These strategies are more comfortable, more effective, and way less awkward than reaching out cold to strangers. Ready to try a new approach? Drop a comment below on how you plan to engage more authentically this week, or share your own tips! 👇

Job Search Networking tip - If there's a person you've persistently reached out to in the hopes of setting up a meeting, and each subsequent time you use phrases like "checking back in," "circling back," "touching base," but are still met with silence, here's a different approach to ignite that connection. Instead of sending another follow-up email, try this: Visit their LinkedIn profile and review their recent activity and posts. Then, actively engage by liking and commenting on their content. This approach puts you back on their radar in a non-intrusive way, demonstrates your interest in their professional activities, and creates a natural opening for renewed conversation. #NetworkingTips #ProfessionalDevelopment #LinkedInStrategy #CareerAdvice