What are the best ways to stay connected with former colleagues in Risk Management?

Go beyond the obvious path of networking! Take your game one level up and create a virtual "Risk Management Insights Exchange" for former colleagues, focusing on specific risk management themes and inviting guest speakers. Incorporate interactive sessions, collaborative learning, and networking opportunities during these virtual meetings. Establish a shared knowledge repository for resources and best practices. Encourage participants to rotate facilitation roles to bring diverse perspectives. Additionally, stay connected between meetings through a dedicated communication channel and occasional social events to foster camaraderie.

Social Media Networking: Connect via professional platforms like LinkedIn, staying updated on their career moves and insights. Periodic Check-Ins: Send occasional messages or emails to inquire about their well-being and professional endeavors. Attend Industry Events: Meet at conferences or industry gatherings, fostering face-to-face interactions and strengthening relationships. Networking Groups: Join risk management forums or alumni groups, maintaining a shared space for discussions and updates. Collaborative Projects: Collaborate on projects or initiatives, fostering continued professional engagement and mutual support.

Based on my experience, social media is invaluable for staying in touch with past colleagues in risk management. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook are not just for socializing; they're professional lifelines. They let you follow your peers' journeys, interact with their posts, and dive into industry discussions. It's more than networking; it's about showcasing your expertise and building your brand. Engaging in groups and following targeted hashtags keeps you connected and informed about new trends and opportunities.

Encourage colleagues to join the local risk management association so that even after they leave, you still see them at the association meetings. Invite them to risk management talks/courses/events or to be speakers/panelists at industry-specific or company events. Get them to join the company alumni and serve in the EXCO

1- Ensure that everyone knows exactly what part of the business and which activities and tasks they are responsible for. 2. Identify risks early on.

A pro tip: invite former colleagues to these events or catch up post-event to exchange insights or brainstorm ideas, keeping the professional bond alive and dynamic.

Collaborating on projects that match your skills and goals is a proactive way to maintain connections with former risk management colleagues. This approach not only leverages your strengths but also expands your network and portfolio.

Risk management is a pretty small group of people and I seem to bump into people years after meeting them! We all support each other and when a new role is there, we can reach out. Sometimes it's an industry we need help with, sometimes its geographic convenience and sometimes a bit of specialist advice. Or in my case, it's a template I was proud of but left it on my last role...

Ask them to evaluate your picks, and give them your own risk evaluations. Thus you add to the knowledge of your friend, become helpful, and thus your friendship strengthens.