Keeping bonds with former colleagues strong

The other day, I bumped into an old colleague at a food court. After a quick "Hey" and a handshake, we ended up having a great chat over lunch. Since we're friends on social media, we thought we knew what was going on in each other's lives.

It quickly became clear that we had a lot to catch up on. Even though we chat every now and then, some important updates are best shared in person. But being connected on social media gives us a basic idea of what the other is up to.

Staying in touch with former colleagues isn't just a formality—it's a chance to build stronger relationships, expand your network, and maintain friendships that can positively impact both your personal and professional life.

Here are some simple tips for staying connected with former colleagues in a meaningful and respectful way:

1. Engage on social media

One easy way to stay in touch is to interact with their LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram posts. 

Sure, a 'like' is easy, but why stop there? Drop a thoughtful comment or share a post that reminds you of them. Quality over quantity wins here—make it personal and meaningful. 

However, beware of the dreaded over-interaction; nobody wants a notification overload! Striking a balance is key to showing your interest without overwhelming them.

2. Share relevant messages or articles

Found an article that screams their name? Send it! Whether it's about their industry or a quirky meme they'd love, it's the thought that counts. 

Just avoid being the person who forwards random cat videos, unless they're really into that. Send something that you genuinely believe they will find valuable and interesting. This can help reconnect with them.

3. Respect their privacy  

Privacy is key. Don't tag them in every photo or post unless it's something they'd genuinely appreciate. Before mentioning someone in a meme or content, think twice about whether they want the public attention from it. For personal milestones or serious matters, skip the public post and drop a heartfelt private message.

4. Be their hype person (subtly)

When your ex-colleague gets a promotion or wins an award, cheer them on—loudly and proudly. A public congratulatory post not only shows your support but also keeps your bond alive. 

Just don't go overboard and make it sound like you wrote their entire success story.

5. Don't send too many messages 

While it's great to check in, nobody enjoys being bombarded with messages. Be the friend who knows when to text and when to step back. Life's busy for everyone, so pick your moments wisely.

6. Master the art of polite exits

If you're mid-chat but need to bail, don't ghost! A simple message like, "I'll get back to you soon", helps keep the conversation respectful. If you are too busy, just send a quick message or emoji to show that you'll continue later.

7. Consider timing

Late-night messages? Mid-meeting pings? Let's not. Consider time zones, work schedules, and the general sanity of your recipient. Timing can make or break how your message is received.

Keeping in touch with former colleagues can be valuable and rewarding. You can build strong relationships that benefit your career and personal friendships by engaging thoughtfully, respecting privacy, and communicating well.

But remember, attending a social gathering, such as an alumni meeting, is essential. Even if you stay connected through social media, meeting in person is always a better way to keep in touch with your old friends