Want To Be A Better Networker? Call Your Old Boss

There are many aspects of cultivating a powerful network that we often overlook. When we need advice, introductions, or even just a kind word or two, most of us stick with our close contacts. 

It’s the people we know, like, and trust because we see them every single day. The challenge is that close contacts rarely have the new information we need. So, we often jump in, trying to find and build rapport with total strangers. 

We attend conferences or networking mixers, trusting serendipity to bring us a person with the right assets with whom we can build instant rapport.

It usually doesn’t work out this way!

Dormant Ties

But we skip another part of our network when we jump from close contacts to total strangers, and it’s one that research shows can have an incredible effect on our success:

Dormant ties.

Dormant ties are people you know—people with whom you’ve already built rapport—but you haven’t spoken to in a while for some reason or another. In terms of new knowledge or potential introductions, they’re often as valuable as those total strangers you trusted your stars to find and connect to. 

But in terms of rapport and connection, they’re closer contacts than total strangers. These people knew, liked, and trusted you…and probably still do! (You’ll find that out once you reconnect.)

The Power of Reconnecting with Your Old Boss

One of the most powerful dormant ties many of us have is our old bosses. I mean it. 

Assuming you left on good terms (or that they did), old managers can be a powerful source of new information because they’ve been working (and living) somewhere other than you and your close contacts, but they were also one of the few colleagues most invested in your success. 

They wanted to help you grow and develop your career then, and many will still like that for you now. 

So call your old boss. 

The conversation can go anywhere, but it will probably go somewhere valuable.

About a week ago, I posted a video on social media (you can watch it below) about reaching back to old bosses, and a recruiter shared with me a hilarious (and kind of sad) conversation he has on a regular basis. 

He would call old bosses for references on current potential hires and regularly heard the same line: “If I knew she was looking, I would have hired her back myself.” 

You may not want to go back to your old company or even that old boss, but the example shows just how powerful former leaders can be.

They want you to succeed—and because you’ve both been working at separate places—they know about opportunities you don’t.

Some other ways your old boss can help you out are:

Experience

Your former boss has most likely years of experience. By now, they’ve probably formed connections and networks that you can learn from and, of course, benefit from as well. 

They are the best people to go to for career advice, information about the latest industry trends or changing dynamics, and even for other issues or personal guidance (if you’re comfortable with them).

So catch up with them over a cup of coffee and reconnect to expand your network as well.

Wide Network

Your boss must also have built a wide professional network over time. They will always have the right people to connect you with, whether you are looking for new employers, vendors, or clients. 

Moreover, you can also find partnership opportunities with them. 

Who knows, your boss may be thinking about leaving the corporate world and starting a thing or two of their own. With your expertise, they may give you a chance to become their partner in the project.

Sometimes, bosses give out short-term roles for projects like freelancing or consultation.

Then, they can always connect you with the right people to find new employment opportunities. They can vouch for you and send a good word that will serve as your reference and increase your chances of getting the job.

Tips to Reach Out to Your Old Boss

Reaching out to an old boss after years of no contact can be a bit daunting. Here are some ways to break the ice without things getting awkward for anyone.

• Your attitude should be full of gratitude; start by acknowledging their role or assistance in shaping your career when you used to work with them.
• Be very clear about whether you need their advice or are just reconnecting with them.
• Keep your tone professional. 
• Reach them through professional means, such as LinkedIn, email, or over the phone. Do not use other social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram, which are more personal channels.
•  Remember, they will want to connect with you more if they get something, too. Share your insights with them, introduce other people who they may know of and could benefit from, or even share the latest news or research relevant to their field.

How to Be a Better Networker?

A very powerful way to reconnect with an old boss or form a network with others is to look for common ground. 

Find the Common Ground

People will feel more comfortable sharing their interests, objectives, and values with you because they know you are more trustworthy than someone unknown. 

So, whether you share a hobby, value, experience, or anything else with them, you can build a connection, and from there, the conversation can take a better turn.

Leveraging Social Media Platforms

Although nothing can replace the experience of face-to-face conversation and networking, social media and other online platforms play a major role in building your network. 

You can find and build connections with many industrial experts on LinkedIn, Twitter, and other discussion forums here. These experts have a wealth of experience outside of your immediate circle. 

By joining the group, you can share insights, experiences, or content with them or simply engage in forum discussions.

Once you position yourself as a knowledgeable and approachable industrial expert or brand, you will find it easier to find and connect with such individuals and maintain your relationship with them over time. 

Wrap Up

If you wish to build your network, connect with important professional people you know best. No better candidate for that than your former boss.

So call them up or send them a hi and reconnect with them. Talk about yourself and where you are currently in your career, and look up their advice and assistance. It’s simple, effective, and the best way to go higher up the ladder, making more connections along the way.