You may have a retired contact in your network who has valuable insights, experience, and connections in your industry. But how can you keep in touch with them without being intrusive or irrelevant? Here are some tips on how to maintain a professional relationship with a retired contact.
Retirement doesn't mean that your contact has nothing to do. They may have other commitments, hobbies, or plans that occupy their schedule. Don't assume that they are always available or eager to hear from you. Instead, ask them when is the best time to reach out, how often they prefer to communicate, and what mode of contact they like. Respect their boundaries and preferences, and don't overdo it with too many calls, emails, or messages.
Communication without any expectation is the key to being in contact. Typically, people expect a lot from others, in this case the retired contact has huge experience, skills, contacts which the other person can help provided you build trust and relationship with them. These are good for the support needed and they are open to give the resources if you are in consistent touch with them.
Sustain a professional relationship with a retired contact by periodically reaching out to inquire about their well-being and share industry updates. Express appreciation for their past contributions and seek their insights on relevant topics. Attend events where they might be present, fostering casual interactions. Offer assistance if they embark on consulting projects or initiatives. Keep communication channels open, demonstrating ongoing respect for their expertise. Maintaining a considerate and occasional connection ensures the professional bond remains intact and may lead to valuable advice or collaboration opportunities in the future.
I appreciate hearing from former colleagues. If you contact me via a quick text, email or LinkedIn message, we can schedule a time to talk.
Express gratitude towards what they excelled to do in the past to you or your team. Seek for occasional guidance or mentoring connects. Make them feel valued in your interactions, surprise them with a token of acknowledgement gifts or some sponsored lunch or dinner invites for thanking them for all the valuable support and guidance they agreed to provide. Make sure interactions are a win - win for both parties.
Field Specialist @ STEM | Therapeutic Areas, Computer Literacy | Content writer @ IAPWE
Maintaining relationship with them is appreciated and beneficial. But how we can do it? 1-Reach out to them periodically either by phone call or a lunch meeting. 2-Share important industry updates with them. Keep them in the loop. 3-Their years of experience might be valuable to you if you ask for their advice. 4-Try to keep them connected with their former colleagues and industry by inviting them to company events or industry conferences. 5-Record their private occasions and acknowledge it. 6-Endorse/recommend them on professional site for a skill they have mastered.
Your contact may have retired from their job, but they may still have an interest in their field or industry. You can provide value by sharing relevant updates, trends, or opportunities that they may find useful or interesting. You can also ask for their feedback, advice, or perspective on a project, challenge, or goal that you are working on. Show them that you value their expertise and experience, and that you are not just contacting them for your own benefit.
A former manager was very considerate in her approach. She asked me to let her know when I would be back in the area so that we could meet with a mutual colleague for coffee or lunch.
Trying to understand what value you bring to them in exchange to advice you get to them is a deal breaker. Making a win-win for both parties is key.
Keep in touch: Regular communication is key to maintaining any relationship. Send occasional emails, make phone calls, or connect on professional social networking platforms like LinkedIn. Share updates about your career, projects, or other relevant information. Offer to meet in person: If your retired contact is open to it, suggest meeting in person for coffee, lunch, or other casual gatherings. In-person meetings can help strengthen your bond and provide an opportunity for more meaningful discussions.
Your contact may have helped you in your career, introduced you to other contacts, or mentored you in some way. Don't take their support for granted. Express your gratitude by sending a thank-you note, a gift, or a testimonial. You can also acknowledge their achievements, contributions, or milestones in your industry or community. Let them know that you appreciate their role in your professional development and that you are proud of their accomplishments.
As I mentioned before, gratitude takes you a very long way in business / career. Taking the time to give back what many contributed for your personal development is something which will be very appreciated. It is too easy to forget / not manage the time to reconnect with older / past colleagues but when you, it will always be worth it
One way to do this too if you’re targeting in-person get togethers with these folks is to always pay! If they are giving their time and knowledge it’s the least you can do.
Your contact may be retired, but they are still a human being. They have a life outside of work, and they may have personal interests, passions, or stories that they want to share. You can keep your relationship personal by asking them about their hobbies, family, travel, or plans. You can also share your own personal updates, challenges, or aspirations. You can also invite them to social events, activities, or groups that they may enjoy. Show them that you care about them as a person, not just as a contact.
I couldn't agree with this more. It's important to have connection outside of the job. While it's perfectly acceptable to lean on these former coworkers for their advice, guidance, and wealth of expertise, they are not a sounding board for your ongoing grievances and challenges. Make an effort to know what they look forward to outside of work: their families, interests, etc. Maybe you both like the same sports team or food; small things make people feel connected and also will eliminate any feelings that they're being "used" after they're no longer working.
I totally agree! Every human has some hobby, interest or passion. You can always add value to the retired contact by sharing updates about the field of their interest. You can invite them to the events where they can explore more opportunities to persuade their passion. Encourage them to take one step forward in that field. Help them to overcome challenges if they face any doing so. This will surely strengthen your relationship.
Your contact may have retired, but they may still have a network of contacts that they can refer you to. You can ask them if they know anyone who can help you with a specific problem, opportunity, or goal that you have. You can also ask them if they can introduce you to someone who can offer you guidance, support, or collaboration. Be respectful and specific when you ask for referrals, and don't expect them to do all the work for you. Follow up with the referrals and keep your contact updated on the outcomes.
Retired or not, the impression your commitments and conduct leaves on former colleagues is priceless. In my case it has been either the origin or an immense facilitator to have those referrals speak in my favor. You can not get a better reference than people who worked with you. Works both ways!
A former colleague reached out to me for job search advice and assistance which I am happy to provide. We have been working on her resume and then we can leverage my broader network of contacts for new opportunities.
Your contact may have retired, but they may still have challenges, goals, or dreams that they want to pursue. You can be supportive by offering your help, encouragement, or resources. You can also celebrate their successes, achievements, or milestones. You can also connect them with other contacts who can help them with their endeavors. Show them that you are happy for them and that you want them to succeed.
I look at this from the perspective of someone who is semi-retired. I have maintained good connections with several people I used to work with. I appreciate them now as friends as well as former colleagues. I like that I can stay in touch with what's going on at the company and that these folks are genuinely interested in what I'm doing. In retirement, it's important to nurture existing and new relationships so when a former colleague reaches out, be sure to welcome the opportunity to reconnect with them.
Your contact may have retired, but they may still have challenges, goals, or dreams that they want to pursue. You can be supportive by offering your help, encouragement, or resources. You can also celebrate their successes, achievements, or milestones. You can also connect them with other contacts who can help them with their endeavors. Show them that you are happy for them and that you want them to succeed.