How would you approach reconnecting with a contact from a previous conference to reignite the relationship?

Before you reach out, it's crucial to refresh your contact's memory about where and how you met. Mention specific details from the conference, such as the event name, the topic of discussion, or a memorable moment you shared. This personal touch shows that you value the connection and it wasn't just another business card exchange. By doing so, you create a sense of familiarity and context, which makes it more likely for your contact to be interested in rekindling the professional relationship.

To reconnect with a contact from a previous conference, start by personalizing your message with their name and where you met. Reference a specific topic or conversation you had to jog their memory. Offer something valuable, such as relevant industry insights or a useful introduction, to show you’re invested in a mutually beneficial relationship. Keep your message genuine and concise, expressing interest in catching up. Suggest a low-pressure follow-up, like a virtual coffee or brief call, to continue the conversation. Be patient and prepared for a follow-up if needed, as rekindling relationships takes time and persistence.

When you're ready to make contact, personalize your communication. Avoid generic messages; instead, tailor your email or message to reflect your previous interaction and the recipient's interests. Perhaps you can reference a topic you both discussed or a mutual connection. By personalizing your approach, you demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in them as an individual, not just as a potential business opportunity. This can help set the stage for a more meaningful and lasting professional relationship

When you're ready to make contact, personalize your communication. Avoid generic messages; instead, tailor your email or message to reflect your previous interaction and the recipient's interests. Perhaps you can reference a topic you both discussed or a mutual connection. By personalizing your approach, you demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in them as an individual, not just as a potential business opportunity. This can help set the stage for a more meaningful and lasting professional relationship

To effectively reignite a relationship, offer something of value. This could be an article, a piece of industry news, or an introduction to another professional that aligns with their interests or needs. By leading with value, you show that you're not just reaching out for your own benefit but are also considering their professional growth and success. This approach helps build trust and shows that you are invested in a mutually beneficial relationship.

Once you've re-established contact and provided value, suggest a face-to-face meeting or a virtual catch-up to discuss potential collaborations or industry trends. Propose a specific topic or question to give your meeting purpose and direction. By suggesting a focused discussion, you convey that you respect their time and have thought about how the two of you might work together or benefit from exchanging ideas.

Patience is key in rekindling a professional relationship. Understand that your contact may be busy and not able to respond immediately. Give them time to reply without sending multiple follow-up messages, which can come across as pushy. If they are interested in reconnecting, they will appreciate your understanding and respect for their schedule. Patience demonstrates professionalism and can strengthen the bond between you and your contact.

Two things that could have been done during the intitial meeting to make followup easier: Digital Handshake: Create a digital business card or a small digital profile packet to share via email, text or DM. Include a brief professional bio, key achievements, and links to your work or portfolio. This makes it easier for your contact to remember you and the context of your meeting. Mutual Connections Introduction: During your initial interaction, facilitate an introduction to a mutual connection or bring a mutual contact into the conversation. This shared connection can create a stronger bond and provide a common ground for future interactions, making it easier to reach out again. BONUS: Schedule the next contact before you part ways.