How can you use networking platforms to stay connected with former colleagues and industry peers?

In current landscape, many of us change jobs, roles and work for different companies every few years. Keeping in touch with former colleagues is equally important as keeping in touch with current ones. By staying in touch it helps us cross pollinate ideas and also opens up opportunities to collaborate cross organizations / cross companies. I have stayed in touch with dozens of former colleagues, mentors and others over the years via platform like LinkedIn. Additionally, it also provides us opportunities to give back and also continue learning from others.

Different types of relationships develop over time, with technology having both advantages and disadvantages. Numerous discussions revolve around its impact on family lives, and the negatives should not be ignored. Despite this, engaging with former colleagues and industry peers can foster personal growth and learning experiences. The paramount aspect is the encounter with remarkable individuals on our life's journey. While we may switch jobs and places of residence, preserving relationships and avoiding severed connections is valuable. Planet Earth isn't vast; we are bound to meet many people again.

There are two platforms that I consider essential for the discussions on technology, innovation and AI—X and LinkedIn. Both provide deep content and are frequently supported by references. X is today's Agora or town square where the insights of wise thinkers clash with the cackle of madmen. The mix isn't for everyone, but the little time is takes to separate the wheat from the shaft is well worth the effort.

One of the most powerful ways to build your profile is to have an impactful title in your profile. Most people put a current job description in this spot. But this is actually largely ineffective or outright incorrect. This is the spot where you establish your personal brand or particular strength. Your headline is the key attention grabber, that people see and react to. You can think of it as the headline to your ad…

The central issue here is around reconnecting in the context of past jobs and relationships. My sense is that this should not be a function of past present or future, but a continuous engagement that is facilitated by active posts and comments on LinkedIn.

Using LinkedIn I was able to connect with esports organizations and video games companies that I honestly didn’t know how to contact using LinkedIn is a powerful platform to build your network, influence and business.

While professional networking platforms like LinkedIn provide great opportunity for us to stay in touch with numerous individuals, do not forget that there are other ways to stay in touch with former colleagues and industry peers. Set up monthly or quarterly reoccurring meetings either in person or remote. Work with others in creating collaborative articles, blogs etc. Sometimes calling or texting people out of the blue adds an element of surprise and personal touch. There are countless ways to collaborate, communicate and stay in touch with like minded individuals.