Great article - many thanks Sophie! Having lived in Canada, England, Scotland and New Zealand, my historical network is pretty global but I have not nurtured it very well. Any tips for reconnecting with past colleagues / friends / University peers intentionally?
Let me know if there are any valuable suggestions!
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To reconnect with your global network from the past, consider a strategic and mindful approach. Begin by reflecting on the value and purpose behind each connection you wish to rekindle. Here are some steps you might consider:
1. **Assessment of Past Connections**: Identify the key individuals in your network with whom you previously had significant interactions or shared interests. Consider the mutual benefits of reconnecting.
2. **Update Your Profile**: Ensure your LinkedIn and other professional profiles are current, showcasing your recent achievements and interests. This makes it easier for old contacts to see what you've been up to.
3. **Personalized Communication**: Reach out with personalized messages, acknowledging past interactions and expressing genuine interest in their current endeavors. Avoid generic messages; personal touches can make a big difference.
4. **Offer Value**: Think about how you can offer value to them before asking for anything in return. This could be in the form of sharing relevant information, offering support in their current projects, or introducing them to other connections.
5. **Engage Regularly**: Once you've reconnected, maintain the relationship by engaging regularly. Comment on their posts, share their achievements, and keep the conversation going beyond the initial reconnection.
6. **Network Events and Reunions**: Attend alumni events, industry conferences, or webinars where you might naturally reconnect with your global network. These settings provide a relaxed environment to re-establish old connections.
7. **Be Patient and Respectful**: Rebuilding connections takes time. Be patient and respect their time and boundaries. Not everyone may be interested or available to reconnect immediately, and that's okay.
Remember, the quality of the connection matters more than the quantity. Focus on rekindling relationships where there's mutual respect and potential for future collaboration.
Great article - many thanks Sophie! Having lived in Canada, England, Scotland and New Zealand, my historical network is pretty global but I have not nurtured it very well. Any tips for reconnecting with past colleagues / friends / University peers intentionally?
Reconnecting with a global network is a great move, Christopher.
Below is a long-ish answer from my Global Network Assessment GPT that I created late last year (https://chat.openai.com/g/g-X55gI5FAj).
Let me know if there are any valuable suggestions!
-
To reconnect with your global network from the past, consider a strategic and mindful approach. Begin by reflecting on the value and purpose behind each connection you wish to rekindle. Here are some steps you might consider:
1. **Assessment of Past Connections**: Identify the key individuals in your network with whom you previously had significant interactions or shared interests. Consider the mutual benefits of reconnecting.
2. **Update Your Profile**: Ensure your LinkedIn and other professional profiles are current, showcasing your recent achievements and interests. This makes it easier for old contacts to see what you've been up to.
3. **Personalized Communication**: Reach out with personalized messages, acknowledging past interactions and expressing genuine interest in their current endeavors. Avoid generic messages; personal touches can make a big difference.
4. **Offer Value**: Think about how you can offer value to them before asking for anything in return. This could be in the form of sharing relevant information, offering support in their current projects, or introducing them to other connections.
5. **Engage Regularly**: Once you've reconnected, maintain the relationship by engaging regularly. Comment on their posts, share their achievements, and keep the conversation going beyond the initial reconnection.
6. **Network Events and Reunions**: Attend alumni events, industry conferences, or webinars where you might naturally reconnect with your global network. These settings provide a relaxed environment to re-establish old connections.
7. **Be Patient and Respectful**: Rebuilding connections takes time. Be patient and respect their time and boundaries. Not everyone may be interested or available to reconnect immediately, and that's okay.
Remember, the quality of the connection matters more than the quantity. Focus on rekindling relationships where there's mutual respect and potential for future collaboration.
-