What are the most effective ways to maintain professional relationships with former colleagues?

Some of the folks we used to work with turn into best buddies, and we never lose touch with them! To keep the spark alive, stay connected on LinkedIn and catch up with them casually to find out how they’re thriving in their new engagements and learning the latest trends in the industry. We can also swap relevant articles to boost their performance in their new role, applaud their accomplishments, invite them to share their success stories, and connect them with people who matter in our network. Yes, without hesitation, we can reach out to them for help when we need it.

When you are in full time work or part time work, remote work or any scenario where you have got to know an individual at a personal level along the way in your career, anything can happen to you or them and one of you may end up losing that position in the company OR getting a promotion and becoming more distant OR in negative scenarios a demotion. Always remember " personal life is not an effective way of behaving in a business " and on the other hand " when you are OUTSIDE of work, business conversations are the last thing you want to do for many reasons and your primary reason should always be that work is not a way to live, but a means of income for survival of your personal life" Know the grey area where work and personal life meet.

Ultimately, social media is the best way to maintain professional relationships with former colleagues depending on your specific relationships, industry, and individual preferences. Here are some tips for using social media: 1. Choose the right platform, LinkedIn is generally the most appropriate platform for professional networking, but don't neglect other platforms if relevant to your shared interests. 2. Don't overshare personal information or engage in unprofessional behavior. 3. Don't share information others have marked private on their profiles. 4. It's better to have a few meaningful interactions than to spam your colleagues with likes and comments.

Maintain strong ties with former colleagues by actively engaging on platforms especially LinkedIn. Then reinforce the significance of your profession in the industry while staying updated with the latest advancements to enhance your expertise and reinforce your value within you chosen field.

Time and space away from each other former colleagues allowes room for growth, and one would never know parting would only serve as a surprising convergence of coincidences in future opportunities, whether we keep in touch or otherwise not. as such keeping the current professional relationship is vital to keep us in their minds and them in ours. Though my message may sound cryptic but is none but the truth from my past working experience.

That is always the most effective and powerful way of maintaining relationships. It is also helpful to stay on top of latest news and trends, exchange experience and share new opportunities.

Stay in touch through personal emails, phone calls, or video chats. Schedule regular check-ins, even if it's just a quick monthly coffee catch-up.

Share your expertise and insights when relevant, and don't hesitate to ask for their help or advice on something related to your field. This fosters mutual respect and strengthens the connection.

It does not matter, even if the colleagues is know to take advantage on your expertise or your time or resources, you do not have to be disheartend, just keep performing your work and lend an helping hand as you go along and just forget about it, the more people who you help, are seeds that you sow that can be potentially reaped whole or subtley in your favor. So carry on doing the best as you go along and lend an helping hand without expectation.

The Significance of Referrals and Recommendations Referrals and recommendations are more than mere professional courtesies; they are endorsements of skill, reliability, and character. In the context of product engineering, where new opportunities, clients, and partnerships are always on the horizon, these elements can be game-changers. They serve as a testament to your professional capabilities and personal qualities, often influencing decisions in your favor. Giving Referrals: A Gesture of Support Offering referrals or recommendations for your former colleagues is a powerful way to support their career aspirations. It's an acknowledgment of their skills and contributions, and it can significantly impact their professional journey.

Something as simple as sending out birthday wishes using the tool built in LinkedIn can be a great way to re-engage with others. Also, congratulating others when alerted by LinkedIn of new job announcements can create an authentic way to stay connected with others. My personal favorite is to setup repeat tasks of varying frequencies to reach out to others on Google Tasks.

Congratulate them on career milestones, awards, or personal achievements. Shows you're genuinely interested in their lives and successes.

Providing referrals for job opportunities or recommending them for projects can be highly appreciated. In my career, I have often referred former colleagues for roles or projects that suited their expertise. Enrolling in or conducting workshops and courses together can cultivate ongoing interaction. This has been particularly effective in my field, where keeping abreast with the latest technology and practices is essential. Organising or attending informal social gatherings can be a more relaxed way to maintain connections. I've found that casual meet-ups like coffee or dinner are excellent for catching up and discussing both professional and personal matters in a comfortable setting.

Act as a connector within your professional network. Introduce former colleagues to others who can help them in their careers. This goodwill can lead to fruitful collaborations. I recently introduced two former colleagues who are now working on a joint project. Respect their personal and professional boundaries. If they prefer limited contact, honour their wishes. It's crucial to strike a balance between maintaining the relationship and respecting their space. Keep your former colleagues informed about job openings, freelance gigs, or relevant opportunities. Helping them advance in their careers reflects positively on your relationship. I've referred former colleagues to job openings in my network.

Attend industry events and conferences: Look for opportunities to connect at professional events, where you can share updates and network. Join alumni networks: If your previous company has an alumni network, join it to stay connected with former colleagues and stay updated on their careers. Focus on genuine interactions: Go beyond basic "likes" and comments on social media. Engage in meaningful conversations, share relevant articles or resources, and show genuine interest in their work and lives.

Well covered most of it ! few more pointers biggest advantages for you and your formal colleague you know either other strong area . collaboration bring best for both party . as long as you both do that , you will keep going well with your networking lot effectively

Three things. First, many jurisdictions prohibit conflicts of interest. They may also impute conflicts to other members of the same firm. Thus, lawyers, et al. are colleagues-in-competition who can’t share information. This tends to keep certain relationships contrived and shallow. Second, barristers’ chambers aren’t typically operated as law firms. Barristers usually work independently. Thus, friendships amongst members of the Bar tend to revolve around clubs, hobbies, and other activities unrelated to law. Third, many jurisdictions prohibit lawyers from engaging in lawful conduct which appears inappropriate. This chills lawyers’ social behaviour, too. Maintaining relationships can be quite challenging. Good luck.