Lost Touch With a Professional Contact? 10 Ways to Rekindle Your Connection (original) (raw)

Just because you've fallen out of contact doesn't mean you can't reach out and pick up where you left off.

Reconnecting with someone in your professional network after time apart can feel a bit awkward, but it’s also a valuable opportunity. Rekindling these relationships can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations and insights while strengthening your professional connection for the future.

According to members of Rolling Stone Culture Council, reaching out in a thoughtful, genuine way can help you meaningfully rebuild those connections. If you’re looking to reestablish relationships within your network, these expert strategies can guide you toward doing so with authenticity and impact.

Reach Out ‘Just Because’

Reaching out “just because” is an important skill to learn in both your personal and professional life. No one maintains perfect contact at all times. It’s perfectly fine to send a note that reads, “Hey! I was just thinking of you and hoping that you’re doing great. How’s life?” Perhaps something reminded you of them. Mention that! Everyone loves to be thought of. – Jed Brewer, Good Loud Media

Seek to Understand Their Needs

Be a friend. Start by scheduling a catch-up meeting to strengthen your relationship, and once you understand their needs, see if you can support them through your current work. Partnerships built around empathy and understanding are the most resilient. – Dustin Eide, CanPay

Be Genuine and Honest

Don’t make excuses for why you’ve lost touch or try to use a recent professional milestone as an “in.” Just reach out and say you’d like to reconnect. People will appreciate your honesty when you acknowledge your shared humanity (and fallibility), and they won’t feel like you’re reaching out to sell them something. – Evan Nison, NisonCo

Make It Easy to Reconnect

We’re all busy with multiple responsibilities, so even a friendly suggestion to reconnect can turn into an overwhelming task to add to the to-do list. Take baby steps with a short text or email that doesn’t require an immediate reply, and then follow up with an easy meetup suggestion — something brief and convenient. – Cynthia Johnson, Bell + Ivy

The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only community for Influencers, Innovators and Creatives. Do I qualify?

Follow Up With Research

Be transparent and simply let them know it’s been a while and you’d like to reconnect. But follow it up with research — it’s always ideal to demonstrate that you are invested in their journey and what they have going on. Be thoughtful with your compliments (no one likes a schmoozer), and be upfront about why you’re reconnecting now. People don’t have time, so direct engagement is always helpful! – Sarah Jenkins, The Romans New York

‘Warm Up’ the Relationship Over a Shared Meal

I’m still a believer in the power of a good business lunch or dinner to reconnect with someone. Pursuing a business relationship that has been cold or dormant for years will require a warm up. Do not automatically jump to specific business proposals over the meal; warm it up first with some light banter and reminiscing about the past. – Zain Jaffer, Zain Jaffer Foundation

Reference a Previous Interaction

I strongly believe in the importance of reestablishing communication through thoughtful outreach. Referencing a shared experience or previous interaction can serve as a natural bridge, making it easier to assess the best course of action for deepening the relationship. This approach demonstrates thoughtfulness and genuine interest in reengaging in previous connections. – Jason Peterson, GoDigital Media Group

Make It Low Stakes

To rekindle a professional relationship, send a personal message referencing past conversations and offer a low-stakes opportunity to reconnect based on their interests. For example, if they love golf, invite them to an industry event or a round with relevant connections. This approach shows genuine care, adds value and demonstrates that you remember and value your shared history. – Dan Serard, Cannabis Creative Group

Ask About a Recent Milestone

Reach out with a personal note — recall a shared memory or ask about a recent milestone. This shows you care and can reestablish meaningful connections, often opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations. – Francis Hellyer, tickadoo

Send a Handwritten Note

Send a handwritten note and invite them to lunch. I write, “Let this note serve as a gift card for lunch with me at my expense. I want to celebrate your X with you. And fine if not. Please know you are thought of with appreciation.” Send and release all expectations. What starts showing up will blow your mind if you trust the process. – Baeth Davis, YourPurpose.com