Robust networks can help you to have a successful job search. But, what if you have lost touch with some members of your network that may have some amazing connections? Reactivating those contacts is easier than you may think.
Introduce Yourself… Again
It is not always easy to place someone, especially in the professional world. If you are contacting someone for the first time in a long time, it makes sense to start the communication by gently reintroducing yourself to jog their memory. You do not have to go into much detail, just a reminder of who you are, and how you know each other. This way the conversation can hit the ground running and your contact does not have to take the time to look you up and figure out why the name sounds familiar.
Start With Social Media
Picking up the phone and cold calling a member of your network is not for everyone. Luckily, social media gives you a wealth of communication options with members of your network. LinkedIn is a great place to start the conversation, as the site’s Messenger feature now shows messaging in real time. This means that communications will show up immediately and can be seen without clicking into another page. Another plus with LinkedIn is that it allows your contact to quickly glance at your page if they want to get a little more info before they answer back. Facebook or Instagram messenger also make for good communication devices if you aren’t able to reach them via LinkedIn.
Follow Up- With Something that Shows You Care
You don’t want your request for help to seem like a one-way street, which is why you want to provide your contact with something that is of worth to them. A few weeks after you connect, send them an article they would find interesting, or maybe even a photo or other memento from previous interactions. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, just something that shows that these communications are a good use of time for them as well.
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