Reconnecting with Contacts can yield Exponential Gains
In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose touch with those who once mattered to us. We get caught up in the here and now, focusing on current clients, prospects, and referrals. Yet, occasionally, we wonder about old acquaintances—what happened to so-and-so?
As business developers, we mustn’t overlook these connections. Often, they’re in new roles, with new responsibilities and networks. While staying in touch with current contacts is vital, revisiting past relationships can unlock unexpected opportunities and lead to exponential returns.
Take a moment today to reach out to someone from your past. You never know where it might lead. You can start by:
1. Look them up on LinkedIn
A simple social media search can provide a glimpse into their lives.
2. Check your calendar history
Notice the people you were spending time with two or three years ago who since fell off your radar. Send them a note expressing interest in catching up to rekindle a valuable connection and potentially open doors to new collaborations or projects.
3. Attend alumni events
Unless you’re already active in an alumni group, chances are you have fallen out of touch with many of your old acquaintances from school or university. A quick call to the alumni center or visit to their website will inform you of the next event where you can reconnect.
4. Register for a conference you attended in the past
You will run into people you met the last time you were at the conference, build on the initial connection and explore new opportunities.
Start with the person or recommendation that seems like it would be easiest for you. Like any business development endeavor, the first step can be the most difficult, but once you take it, the subsequent actions get easier.
