Yes, It’s Worth Catching Up with Your Boss, Even 3 Years Later

Posted on May 17th, 2011 by Keith Ferrazzi

Have you ever wondered if it’s worth reconnecting with a lapsed professional contact?

Your mission: Reconnect with a professional contact whom you haven’t contact with in 3 years or more, in person or via phone. As part of the conversation, ask the contact for information or advice on a current work project.

I actually pulled this “mission” from a study recently published in the MIT Sloan Management Review. The experience of hundreds of executives who reconnected with an old contact was that, YES, it’s absolutely worth it.

Professors Daniel Z. Levin, Jorge Walter, and J. Keith Murnighan found that the advice the executives received was as useful – often even more useful –than the advice they received from current contacts.

Here’s another tip: Don’t get too stuck on who’s the “best” person to contact. According to the study, when executives were asked to rank their top 10 lapsed contacts and reapproach them all, it turned out that the 10th most valued contact offered as many rewards as the 1st.

Have you tried this? If not, will you?

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12 Responses so far | Have Your Say!

  1. Even if the contact doesn't lead to any business, I find the rewards of re-connecting with an old colleague or friend are well worth it for personal fulfillment. I recently re-connected with a high school friend I hadn't been in touch with for over 10 years. It was a great feeling.

  2. I love your "assignment." This type of (re)connecting sets so many things in motion--greater clarity, emotional resetting, breaking isolation, and fresh ideas. I can't wait to share this experiment (and research) with my clients who are trying to get their books and ideas out into the world.

  3. I've been thinking about reaching out to the head of my old group for quite a while. We used to work together 2.5 years ago (when our company was acquired and dissolved) - but have not been in touch since then.

    I would love to use him as a reference in the future, but hate the thought of calling someone up under the pretense of reconnecting, only to ask for a favor in the same breath.

    Any tips on what to say or how to approach this conversation?

  4. Recently I re-connected with an interior design client from 7 years ago. She actually found out I had moved back to Pittsburgh from a former design partner, and was thrilled to have found me through a quick network with my fellow designer. Now we are talking about completing a new design project with her daughter, all from a re-connection after 6 years of absence!

  5. I recently connected with a boss from 10 years ago. It was so great to catch up and renew our friendship. He has also agreed to be my mentor for a project I am working on, so it was a thrill for me to have him back in my life and gain his knowledge/insight. I highly recommend reconnecting with those you have lost touch with. I have done it with several people that I used to work with and it has been such a positive experience. With technology it is so easy and most people welcome the opportunity to get to know you again! Have fun!

  6. Imran Syed says:
    May 17, 2011 at 7:41 am
    Reply

    Great assignment! Keith any advice on how to frame the message when reconnecting using LinkedIn?

  7. Connecting with previous bosses has been optimal. They have much information that is currently prevalent.

  8. I've often wanted to reconnect with past managers just to keep in touch. Sometimes it feels awkward if there isn't a reason for saying hello when you've lost touch for a long time. A few methods I've used is to send a birthday or holiday card if you still have the date and address. Once I saw a former boss do an interview on television so I sent a note commenting on it. Suggestions on this one will be appreciated.

  9. I took the assignment and contacted several people I've worked with over the years. I got one on the phone and at first she seemed mystified but then told me she was just surprised; she's been cloistered with a new baby for the past two years and really appreciated me contacting her. We brainstormed co-hosting a dinner together to link our networks. I also pinged several people through LinkedIn. I said, "I was talking to a friend the other day about how much I enjoyed working at X company and I thought of you. I'd love to reconnect. Meanwhile, I'd like to add you to my professional network.

  10. Lauren Gillian says:
    May 17, 2011 at 4:57 pm
    Reply

    I took on this assignment and contacted a friend at P&G.

    Nice.

    Thanks

    Keith.

  11. It is really worthwhile to reconnect, and I'm usually pleasantly surprised by the warm reception. Since starting my new business a year ago, I have reconnected with former bosses, employees, peers and vendors, with positive results all around.

    People who have worked with you in the past can give good, objective feedback that you might not get from people who are currently close to you.

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