The Web has made it easier than ever to reconnect with long-lost professional colleagues. Does it pay to do so? New research says yes — and suggests that every smart manager will try.
Technology has enabled people to reconnect easily with networks of contacts that have gone dormant. And it turns out that reconnecting dormant relationships can be extremely useful. In one experiment, advice that executives received from ties that had been dormant for at least three years was as useful, and often even more useful, than the advice they received from current relationships.
The big payoffs of dormant ties are that: (1) They are great sources of unexpectedly novel insights, (2) reconnecting is extremely efficient, as it requires a minimal investment of time and (3) reconnecting is not like starting a relationship from scratch. People still have feelings of trust and a shared perspective, which are critical for receiving valuable knowledge from someone.
The authors identify and answer “frequently asked questions” about reconnecting dormant ties. One concerns the staying power of relationships once reconnections have occurred. Typically, they conclude, these reconnected relationships do not become fully renewed and maintained, but those who reach out cite the experience as overwhelmingly positive.
3 Comments On: The Power of Reconnection — How Dormant Ties Can Surprise You
Excellent article and piece of research. There is some “desktop” research I carried out last year that also backs this up. I’d been “funemployed” after selling my business several years ago – and took my contacts book and re-initiated relationships with a sample of 50 people via LinkedIn. More details are here – http://wp.me/pYnfH-2c.
Your work is far more analytical than mine – but thought it might be of interest too. Thanks. Phil
The article adds support to my notion that people want to help, they just need to know what help looks like.
Job seekers are often embarrassed to contact current, let alone old connections. The article may encourage them because the end justifies the means. I will certainly share it.
The article states: We asked them to make the reconnection, in person or via telephone, and use their interactions to get information or advice that might help them on an important work project.”
The fact is that ANY personal contact, not just dormant (as apposed to digital) will render greater results than the passive social network or email route. It has always been true that people respond best to personal connections. My guess is that is the real variable in producing the statistically significant outcome.
Rita Ashley, Career Coach
This is a very valuable article for job seekers, and for people who want to advance in their careers.
For people who are shy or nervous about reconnecting, it helps to keep it simple at first. With a short script, it’s much easier to reconnect with dormant ties, especially on LinkedIn.
I recommend adding a personal note to the standard “I’d like to add you…” that simply says “Great to see you on LinkedIn – hope you’re doing well.” Once the connection is made, you can ask a question, suggest coffee or drinks to catch up, etc.
Usually people are so glad to hear from you that they’re pleased to reconnect. And they might have been too shy to reconnect…so you do them a favor, too.