Old Friends, New Opportunities: Why Reconnecting is Good for Business

Catching up with old friends isn't just good for the soul; it's also good for business. You might not initially think of reconnecting with your old college roommate or that former coworker as a business strategy, but in reality, relationships are the backbone of successful ventures. Here are a few reasons why catching up with old friends is an often-overlooked yet crucial part of growing your business network.

1.?Rebuilding Trust and Familiarity

Old friends are people you’ve already shared experiences with—possibly struggles, achievements, or just memorable times. That shared history is an invaluable foundation of trust and familiarity. When you reconnect, you’re not starting from scratch; you’re reestablishing a trusted bond that may have just been lying dormant. In the world of business, where trust is paramount, reconnecting with someone you already know gives you a head start.

For example, I once caught up with an old friend from my early career days at a networking event here in Denver. We hadn’t spoken in years, but quickly reconnected over shared memories. This familiarity made it easy for us to discuss our current business ventures, and soon enough, we were exploring ways to collaborate.

2.?Opens Up Unexpected Opportunities

You never know what opportunities can arise from rekindling an old connection. That former high school buddy might have become a business owner looking for a trusted advisor or could introduce you to someone in their network who needs exactly what you offer. The beauty of reconnecting with old friends lies in the element of surprise; you’re venturing into known territory with unknown developments.

Let’s say you reconnect with someone over coffee, and as you chat about what you’re currently working on, you discover they’ve ventured into a new field that aligns perfectly with your business goals. Suddenly, you have a fresh opportunity in front of you.

3.?Expanding Your Network with Warm Introductions

Old friends can be a gateway to expanding your network. Think of them as "warm" connections—they already know you and are more likely to make referrals or introduce you to their circle. This is crucial because studies show that warm leads are significantly more likely to convert into business relationships than cold leads.

In fact, I once met a prospective client after a casual lunch with a friend from my old Denver neighborhood. My friend had no idea I was looking to work with more businesses in the area, but after a simple conversation, he introduced me to a colleague in need of help with his business strategy. The trust that existed between my friend and me transferred seamlessly into this new connection.

4.?Refreshing Your Perspective

Old friends often come from different phases of your life and career, so they bring unique perspectives. Hearing their stories and learning about their current ventures or challenges can spark fresh ideas or new approaches to problems you’re facing. This diversity of thought is especially helpful for business owners who might find themselves stuck in routine ways of thinking.

Think of it this way: You might have all the industry knowledge you need, but an old friend who has entered a completely different field could suggest a simple yet transformative change that hadn’t occurred to you.

5.?Genuine Connections Build Long-Term Relationships

There’s something inherently genuine about reconnecting with old friends. The conversation is rarely purely transactional; it’s more about catching up on life, family, and mutual growth. These deeper connections are crucial because they often lead to long-term relationships that can extend beyond simple business transactions. In my experience, these relationships are the most fulfilling and sustainable in the long run.

When I recently reconnected with an old colleague at a Denver meetup, we found that our values and goals had aligned over the years. What began as a quick catch-up over coffee turned into a meaningful business partnership rooted in trust and mutual support.

Tips for Reconnecting

• Start Casual: Send a simple message like, “Hey, it’s been too long! Want to grab a coffee and catch up?” It’s better to keep it low-pressure.
• Use Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook are great for getting updates on what your old friends are up to and sparking a natural conversation.
• Focus on Genuine Interest: Ask about their lives, families, and passions first. Business should come up naturally as the conversation evolves.

Final Thoughts

Reconnecting with old friends shouldn’t be seen as a “hack” or just another box to tick in your business strategy. Instead, approach it with a genuine desire to catch up and share what you’ve been up to. By doing so, you’re not just rekindling a friendship—you’re creating a lasting, trusted connection that can benefit both your personal and professional life.

In Denver’s close-knit business community, strong relationships are everything. So, take that extra step to reconnect with old friends. Who knows? Your next big opportunity might just come from a coffee chat with someone you haven’t seen in years.

Network in Action

If you're looking to expand your network and build connections with new professionals in a meaningful way, I invite you to check out one of our?Network in Action ?groups here in Denver. We focus on creating trusted, high-quality relationships between business owners and professionals. Come visit one of our upcoming meetings, and let’s see how we can help each other grow! Feel free to reach out for more details on when and where we meet—you won’t want to miss it!