- Understanding the value of reconnecting
- Preparing your LinkedIn profile
- Crafting personalized messages
- Engaging with their content
- Offering value in your reconnect
- Following up and maintaining the relationship
Understanding the Value of Reconnecting
Reconnecting with old contacts can bring numerous benefits to your professional life. Here’s why it’s worth the effort:- Expanded Opportunities: Old contacts can provide new job opportunities, business partnerships, and referrals.
- Strengthened Network: Reviving old connections can strengthen your network and provide diverse perspectives and insights.
- Renewed Trust: Established relationships often have a foundation of trust, making it easier to collaborate and share information.
Preparing Your LinkedIn Profile
Before reaching out to old contacts, ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and professional:Update Your Profile Picture
Use a recent, professional photo. A good profile picture can make a positive first impression when reconnecting.
Refresh Your Headline and Summary
Ensure your headline and summary reflect your current role and achievements. Highlight any new skills or experiences that may interest your old contacts.
Highlight Recent Achievements
Showcase your latest accomplishments. Update your experience section with recent projects and successes to give your profile a fresh look.
Crafting Personalized Messages
Personalized messages are key to successful reconnections. Here’s how to craft them:Start with a Warm Greeting
Begin with a friendly and personal greeting. Use their name and mention how you know each other.
Remind Them of Your Connection
Reference your past relationship. Mention a specific project, event, or mutual connection to jog their memory.
State Your Purpose Clearly
Be clear about why you’re reaching out. Whether it's to catch up, seek advice, or explore opportunities, make your intentions known.
Keep It Concise
Avoid lengthy messages. Keep your message brief and to the point, respecting their time.
Engaging with Their Content
Engaging with your contact’s content can pave the way for a smoother reconnection:Like and Comment on Their Posts
Show interest in their updates. Liking and commenting on their posts can rekindle the connection and show that you value their insights.
Share Their Content
Promote their work. Sharing their content with your network can demonstrate your support and appreciation.
Offering Value in Your Reconnect
When reaching out, think about how you can provide value to your contact:Share Useful Resources
Offer relevant articles or information. Sharing resources that can benefit them can make your reconnection more meaningful.
Provide Updates
Inform them about your recent achievements or projects. Sharing your progress can spark interest and open up conversations.
Ask for Their Insights
Seek their advice or opinion. Asking for their perspective on a topic shows that you respect their expertise and can lead to valuable exchanges.
Following Up and Maintaining the Relationship
After the initial reconnection, it’s important to keep the relationship alive:Send Follow-Up Messages
Keep the conversation going. Follow up with a message expressing gratitude for their time and reiterate any agreed-upon next steps.
Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Stay in touch periodically. Schedule regular check-ins to maintain the relationship, whether through LinkedIn messages, emails, or coffee meetings.
Engage Consistently
Regularly interact with their content. Continue to like, comment, and share their posts to stay on their radar and nurture the connection.
Conclusion
Reconnecting with old contacts on LinkedIn can be a powerful strategy for expanding your network and uncovering new opportunities. By preparing your profile, crafting personalized messages, engaging with their content, offering value, and maintaining the relationship, you can revive and strengthen these valuable connections.FAQs
What should I include in a personalized message to an old contact?
Mention how you know each other, reference a specific memory or project, and clearly state your purpose for reconnecting.
How can I make my LinkedIn profile more appealing before reaching out to old contacts?
Update your profile picture, refresh your headline and summary, and highlight recent achievements and projects.
What are some effective ways to engage with an old contact’s content?
Like and comment on their posts, share their content with your network, and provide thoughtful insights on their updates.
How often should I follow up with old contacts after the initial reconnection?
Schedule regular check-ins, such as quarterly or biannually, to maintain the relationship and stay updated on each other’s progress.
What are some ways to provide value when reconnecting with old contacts?
Share useful resources, provide updates on your recent achievements, and ask for their insights or advice on relevant topics.