Reconnect With An Old Friend Week 2009

Reconnecting with an old friend or business contact can often lead to amazing opportunities.

I have established this week as "International Reconnect With An Old Friend Week" (May 4 - 8, 2009).

Everyday this week you are encouraged to think of an old friend, boss, co-worker, teacher, neighbor, mentor, student, etc... and find them on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Google, etc...

Once you have located them reach out and say "Hello". This can be done by email, DM, a handwritten note, or telephone. Just do it.

Tell them that they were once an important part of your life and that you miss them. Ask them to tell you all about their current job, family, hobbies, travels, etc... Do not lead with a story about yourself, make the whole conversation about them! Be clear that your motivation is just to reconnect and see what happens.

Come back and share your comments on this blog.

When many think of "networking" they mistakenly believe that it is just about making new connections. Mental images of happy hours with stacks of business cards in one hand and cheap beer in the other hand - all while trying to make small talk with strangers in hopes of finding new business clouds the definition of what it is to network.

Meeting new people and establishing mutually beneficial relationships is part of the deal (cheap beer is not!). However, it is not just about farming for new connections. To be successful in business you MUST cultivate ongoing relationships. People do business with those they know, like and trust. It takes time establish real bonds. It is faster to get to the deep levels of understanding and trust with old contacts than it is with strangers!

In our busy world it is easy to lose touch with those who have been important in the past. But reaching out to an old friend can be very rewarding. If you wait until you need their help, then you might be viewed as insincere or a "taker"... but to reach out just because you like them and miss having them in your life will fill them with joy.

Have A Great Day.

thom

International "Reconnect With An Old Friend" Week - May 4-8, 2009

Please join me in promoting International "Reconnect With An Old Friend" Week - May 4th through May 8th, 2009.

Sponsored by New Year Publishing and the "Some Assembly Required" networking book series, this event is meant to remind people that reconnecting with old friends is a great way to expand your network -- and makes you (and those you reconnect with) feel good at the same time.

It takes time to establish meaningful connections with other people. The idea that meeting somebody once and sending them a Facebook "friend request" makes them part of your network is wrong. It takes multiple interactions, shared experiences and mutual respect before somebody is a real friend. There are no shortcuts in establishing lasting bonds.

Reconnecting is much easier, as you already have all those things in place. The reality is that time, geography and life situations can cause people to drift apart. If a relationship is not cultivated it will die. Out of sight is out of mind.

During "Reconnect Week" people are encouraged to call old friends with whom they have had no contact with for over a year. As part of this call, share with them a specific memory that makes them a special part of your life.

Please tell others about this special week. Blogs, Twitter, Facebook, etc.... Spread the word, and then take action the week of May 4th. Feel free to share your experiences in the comments section.

Have A Great Day.

thom