Quick Tip – Reignite Your Network

🚀 Old connections are more powerful – Issue #133

We all have weak ties and strong ties in our networks. We also have fresh connections and stale connections.

When people need help or a favor, most tend to reach out to the recent connections in their network. It makes sense because you have probably had more active communication and interaction with these people.

However, you might be surprised to learn that the “dormant ties” in your network can be more valuable. These are old friends and colleagues with whom you had a strong connection in the past (e.g., you worked closely together), but you haven’t been in touch for years.

“Research demonstrates that when you need advice on a project, you get better information when you reach out to someone you used to know than someone you currently know… They’ve been meeting different people and learning different things in the last few years, so they can open up whole worlds you didn’t know existed.” —Adam Grant

So, the first benefit of talking with your dormant ties is that their lives have changed considerably since you last connected with them. They’ve had new experiences, their network has grown, and their careers have advanced.

That young researcher who used to report to you? She’s now an SVP at a hot gaming company. That entry-level designer who was your work buddy at your first job? He’s now a partner at a VC firm.

However, I think the most significant benefit of reconnecting with someone you knew well in the past is that they understand and appreciate you.

New people (e.g., hiring managers and recruiters) have no idea who you really are. They’re trying to assess you based on your LinkedIn profile, resume, portfolio, and cover letter.

If you do get hired, you have to prove yourself all over again. That gets tiresome after a decade or two in your career, especially when you know how damn good you are at your job.

A strong dormant tie (note: I said “strong”) beats a new weak relationship every time. Old bosses, coworkers, clients, and colleagues:

• Know how talented you are.

• Remember how great it is to work with you.

• Can pick things up and start working effectively with you right away.

• Respect your profession and the work you do.

• Know how valuable you are.

• Know how lucky an employer would be to have you.

• Already want you on their team!

So, if you’re looking around for a new opportunity, don’t waste all of your time asking your fresh new network. Reach out to those former managers and colleagues you loved working for and with in the past.

If nothing else, it’s fun to reconnect with old friends and colleagues. But, I think you’ll also be pleasantly surprised by the opportunities you discover.