Just because we’ve left the traditional work world behind (or at least we home business owners may have partially left it behind) doesn’t mean we should let our connections with old coworkers go. Former coworkers and colleagues can be an important group in our extended circle of connections (or sphere of influence) and it can be very worthwhile to keep those connections alive.
I think I am a fairly common representation of the modern professional–many of my best friends (and even a few romantic interests) have come from work. We spend so much time focusing on our careers and work that it stands to reason we’ll make some fairly important connections through the workplace. When we take the leap to starting our own business, we may lose some of those connections if we don’t put energy into keeping them. You’d be surprised how strong those colleague and former coworker networks can be.
I keep an address book just for work and business contacts–this way I can periodically check in with people, set up coffee dates, send e-mails I think they might be interested in, include them in my holiday card mailing, and other general networking activities. It actually takes less time to maintain these “warm” connections that to go out and try to build new connections with complete strangers. Of course, we want to keep growing our sphere of influence too, but a little energy into the existing ones is definitely a productive use of our time. Instead of an address book, you may want to keep the traditional rolodex or a database of individuals you’ve worked with and relationships you’d like to maintain. Think back over people you have worked with–bosses, coworkers, vendors, even individuals you may have worked with on boards, committees or volunteer projects. All of these connections are potentially positive networking opportunities. I recently had a call from a potential client who got my name and number from a former coworker–someone I send periodic e-mails to and have a coffee chat with about once a year. The connection is genuine and valuable and she made the recommendation to a friend of hers who shared a need. That’s the beauty of connections and that’s how networking works!