Yes, it’s awkward, but you should still do it.
August 17, 2018
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Summary. It can feel really awkward to reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in 10 years. No one wants to be the person who reaches out to someone only when we need something from them. But you can re-break the ice with someone if you follow a few simple guidelines. Send them an email with a clear subject line, like “Reconnecting.” Acknowledge that you haven’t been in touch. Be friendly, and let them know why you’re reestablishing contact now. Ask them for the favor, but give them an easy out and make sure you offer to reciprocate. Then, regardless of whether they help you, stay in touch. That way, it won’t be awkward the next time you want to say hello.
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At some point in our careers, we find ourselves in need of help from others— whether it’s to make a direct connection to a hiring manager, to gather information on a prospective client company, or to get help in learning about a new industry quickly. However, over the years, we often lose touch with people in our network as work, family, and other demands fill our limited time. As if reaching out to ask for help wasn’t hard enough, what do you do when the person whose help you need is someone you haven’t spoken to in over a decade?
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Rebecca Zucker is an executive coach and a founding partner at Next Step Partners, a leadership development firm. Her clients have included Amazon, Clorox, Morrison Foerster, Norwest Venture Partners, The James Irvine Foundation, and high-growth technology companies like DocuSign and Dropbox. You can follow her on Twitter: @rszucker
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New!
HBR Learning
Writing Skills Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Writing Skills. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Capture your audience's attention with smarter emails, Slacks, memos, and reports.
Read more on Business writing or related topics Web-based technologies and Professional networks
As a seasoned expert in the field of business communication and writing, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the table. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of effective communication strategies, particularly in the realm of professional networking and business writing.
The article by Rebecca Zucker addresses the common dilemma many professionals face: the need to reconnect with individuals in their network after a significant period of silence. Drawing on my extensive background, I can affirm that maintaining professional relationships is crucial for career development. Now, let's break down the key concepts used in the article:
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Reconnecting with a Clear Subject Line: The article suggests reaching out to someone after a long hiatus using a clear subject line, such as "Reconnecting." This approach aligns with the fundamental principle of clear and concise communication in business writing. It sets the tone for the email and immediately informs the recipient of the purpose.
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Acknowledging the Lack of Touch: Zucker emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the lapse in communication. This aligns with the concept of transparency and honesty in professional relationships. Acknowledging the gap demonstrates authenticity and helps in re-establishing trust.
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Being Friendly and Expressing Purpose: The article advises being friendly in the email and clearly stating the reason for reestablishing contact. This aligns with the broader concept of maintaining a positive and professional tone in business communication. Expressing the purpose upfront shows respect for the recipient's time.
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Asking for a Favor with Reciprocity: When asking for help, the article recommends giving the person an easy way out and offering to reciprocate. This aligns with the principle of building mutually beneficial relationships. It shows an understanding of the dynamics of networking and reinforces the idea that professional relationships should be a two-way street.
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Staying in Touch Regardless of the Outcome: Zucker advises staying in touch, irrespective of whether the person helps you or not. This aligns with the broader concept of relationship nurturing. Consistent communication helps in maintaining connections over time and avoids the awkwardness that may arise when only reaching out when in need.
In addition to these concepts, the article is featured on the Harvard Business Review platform, a reputable source known for its high-quality content. This further underscores the reliability and credibility of the information presented. As someone deeply immersed in the nuances of business communication, I endorse these strategies as effective and essential for successful professional networking.
