How can you network with former colleagues without burning bridges?

Keeping in touch doesn't have to be difficult. As I scroll through my social feed, I'd spot a colleague's post about their new job – someone I've wanted to reconnect with. Instead of a passive "like," I leave a comment: "Congrats on the new job! I know you've been working towards this since we last worked together. And you did it! Let's catch up soon, I'd love to hear more about it." Does it feel familiar? It's like meeting at a coffee shop, and starting a natural conversation based on real interests. Authenticity beats a generic, out-of-nowhere "how are you?" message any day.

Start with people who have earned the privilege of being in your phone. Text them and say, "It feels like 100 years since we were last in touch. I wanted to see how you and your fam are." Progress to people who you would email, then LinkedIn. Just starting by saying Hi and acknowledging the obvious opens the door to a conversation.

Categorize your network as follows: Transactional, Transitional & Transformational depending on the experience you had with them during the period of affinity / association. All transactional relations can be touch based on the need basis, Transitional are the ones who were in the state of becoming a personal affinity due to long association. Transformational are the ones that are the ones that have to touch based every now and then to often....just to ensure that "Hey you are in my thoughts and glad to have you in my life".

A few years after parting ways with former colleagues from my University, I faced a challenging project at my new job and remembered Sarah, a former colleague with relevant expertise. I reached out to her via LinkedIn, expressing a desire to catch up and seek advice. To my delight, she responded enthusiastically, offering valuable insights, resources, and even industry contacts. This reconnection not only aided my project but also expanded my network and highlighted the importance of maintaining professional relationships with former colleagues.

Keep things professional while being genuine and authentic. Always have a listening ear and real interest in what they are doing while sharing insights on what you have also been doing since you were working together. Connect on some of your shared experiences when you were colleagues and always show gratitude.

I am a huge believer in the power that gratitude plays in our lives and always suggest begin your networking approach by expressing gratitude for the time you worked together. A simple thank-you message can go a long way in showing appreciation for your past collaboration.

I guess the secret is never to leave on bad terms - however, that is never always the case (I am perhaps very lucky in that respect ). Maintaining contact with former colleagues , I have found, is a very natural progression - those we have developed deep connections with will remain in the circle (albeit further out). I still maintain contact with a number of former colleagues - some from my very first job almost 30 years ago - they offer some very different perspectives on common issues, have different goals - but a common one to win.

Figure out which filters in Linkedin allow you to connect with sub-sections of your network (e.g. locally or via a type of business or role). Invite the to more open-space-format talks digitally or locally to not only foster your dialogue with them but also their interaction. They will remember that you connected them.

The "Come Together" by The Beatles Segment ?? Tip: If you have something to offer or share, frame it in a way that provides value to the other person. Example: Friendly Reconnection ??: "Hey [Name], I recall your passion for [Topic]. How has that been evolving?" Delicate Reconnection ??: "Hello [Name], you once mentioned an interest in [Topic], and I came across something that made me think of you. How have you been?"

The "Respect" by Aretha Franklin Segment ?? Tip: Acknowledge the past, but don't dwell on it. Focus on the here and now. Example: Friendly Reconnection ??: "Hi [Name], it's been a while. I’d love to catch up when you have a moment." Delicate Reconnection ??: "Hi [Name], I've always admired your skills in [Area]. How have you been since we last spoke?"

While networking with former colleagues, I always prioritize respect and professionalism. When reaching out to my past colleagues, I make sure to respect their boundaries, maintain politeness, and genuinely inquire about their well-being and work. It's essential to understand that our former colleagues may not always respond immediately, considering everyone's varying schedules. It's crucial to respect their time and boundaries. When interacting with former colleagues, I avoid comparing achievements and accomplishments and instead focus on the positive aspects of both past and present work experiences. Expressing gratitude for their contributions to my growth is also a key practice.

The saying "no man is an island" holds true. Recently, I reached out to a former colleague, expressing my openness to employment opportunities if he came across any suitable openings. A few months later, while browsing job listings on LinkedIn and job boards, I came across a position that I believed would be an excellent fit for him due to his relevant experience in that field. Without hesitation, I reached out to inform him about it. As a Philomath, I actively seek opinions, insights, and suggestions from both former and current colleagues because I believe this is how personal and professional growth is achieved. Over time, this approach has helped me nurture relationships, build trust, and foster reciprocity with former colleagues.

I truly dislike how AI wrote this. Everything in life and in your career is about the relationship between you and another person or group. Don't make anything transactional. Be giving. Be a connector. Be someone who cares about another first. It isn't about leads or opportunities (although more will come your way if you do this right). As Zig Ziglar said, "You can get everything in life you want if you help others get what they want."

Thinking win/win is essential. Maybe also think win/win/win: How can people we both connect to profit from us collaborating on some project? This way you create more connections within groups of people you both know.

The "With a Little Help from My Friends" by The Beatles Segment ?? Tip: Relationships are a two-way street. Make it clear you’re also there to offer support. Example: Friendly Reconnection ??: "Hey [Name], how are you? Anything exciting you're working on?" Delicate Reconnection ??: "Hello [Name], I noticed you're doing [Something]. I've always valued our professional relationship and would love to hear more about it."

Be genuine and authentic in your interactions when networking with former colleagues. Dishonesty can be detected from a distance. Clearly communicate your intentions, whether you are seeking assistance with finding a job, a recommendation, or any other request. Being honest and genuine can enhance your interactions with former colleagues without burning bridges. Today, I reached out to a former colleague and requested a recommendation. Although we haven't spoken in a while, I inquired about his work and how he is doing before expressing my request. Keep it real, be transparent, honest, and straightforward. Nobody wants to be deceived..

Be clear about your intentions, When reconnecting, especially with a delicate touch, remember that timing can also play a crucial role. Gauge the appropriateness of the situation before diving in. Have they just switched jobs or faced a professional setback? Context matters. If you've got something to promote or need a favor, make sure to first provide something of value or express genuine interest in their lives. People are more likely to lend a hand if they feel you're not just taking but also giving back. Example: "Hello [Name], as someone I've always respected, I was curious about your current projects and wanted to share some of mine. Mind if we catch up?"

Be clear about your intentions and clearly communicate them to your connection. Let them know you're exploring new opportunities and that you value their insights and advice.

Trust is something won with a lot of work and lost with some small mistake. Always put yourself in the shoes of others and figure out how you would react to a bit of communication, to a mishap or mistake. Figure out ways to prevent those

Networking is about building and nurturing relationships. By approaching former colleagues with respect, professionalism, and a genuine desire to connect, you can effectively leverage your network without burning bridges. These positive connections can be valuable not only for your immediate job search but also for your long-term career development.

Networking with former colleagues begins when you are still colleagues. If you are present and engaged no matter the circumstances, that warmth will follow you. People remember how we make them feel so if your approach was one of abrasion and frustration of your colleagues, it is almost a guarantee that your future relationship will require a lot of work to rebuild and it could likely fail. Be a good colleague and you will have engaged and interested former colleagues.

Always remember: Uou are not (only) profiting from your direct network - you will profit from your network of the second and third degree through recommendations. Make sure that people comprehend what you do and what the value of this is for others. This makes recommendations far more probable.