What are some effective ways to build a professional network with former colleagues?

1 Stay in contact

The first step to building a professional network with former colleagues is to stay in contact with them. Don't wait until you need something from them to reach out. Instead, send them a friendly email, message, or call every once in a while to check in on how they are doing, what they are working on, or what they are interested in. You can also use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook to follow their updates, comment on their posts, or share relevant content. The key is to show genuine interest and appreciation for your former colleagues and their work.

2 Offer value

The second step to building a professional network with former colleagues is to offer value to them. This means that you should not only ask for favors, but also give back. You can offer value by sharing your expertise, insights, or resources that can help them solve a problem, learn a new skill, or achieve a goal. You can also offer value by introducing them to other people in your network who can benefit them, or by endorsing, recommending, or praising them for their achievements. The key is to be generous and helpful without expecting anything in return.

3 Reconnect regularly

The third step to building a professional network with former colleagues is to reconnect regularly with them. This means that you should not only keep in touch sporadically, but also plan for more meaningful interactions. You can reconnect regularly by inviting them to join online or offline events, webinars, or workshops that are relevant to their interests or goals. You can also reconnect regularly by setting up virtual or face-to-face coffee chats, lunches, or happy hours to catch up on personal and professional matters. The key is to create opportunities for deeper conversations and relationships.

4 Seek feedback

The fourth step to building a professional network with former colleagues is to seek feedback from them. This means that you should not only share your successes, but also your challenges and questions. You can seek feedback by asking them for their opinions, advice, or suggestions on your projects, goals, or career plans. You can also seek feedback by asking them for their feedback on your skills, performance, or portfolio. The key is to show humility and openness to learning from your former colleagues and their experiences.

5 Support their growth

The fifth step to building a professional network with former colleagues is to support their growth. This means that you should not only celebrate their wins, but also encourage their development. You can support their growth by providing them with constructive criticism, mentoring, or coaching that can help them improve their skills, overcome their challenges, or advance their careers. You can also support their growth by acknowledging their efforts, accomplishments, or contributions that can boost their confidence, motivation, or reputation. The key is to show respect and admiration for your former colleagues and their potential.

6 Be authentic

The sixth and final step to building a professional network with former colleagues is to be authentic. This means that you should not only be professional, but also personal. You can be authentic by showing your personality, values, and passions that can make you more relatable, trustworthy, and likable. You can also be authentic by being honest, transparent, and respectful about your intentions, expectations, and boundaries that can make you more reliable, consistent, and ethical. The key is to be yourself and to treat your former colleagues as human beings, not as transactions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?