Keeping in touch with an old boss is very vital for your career and other networking opportunities. These bosses can serve as mentors, friends or network contacts. However, you need to ensure you are not one of those individuals who reach out to their old bosses just for favours and only when they have a need.
Thinking of effective ways you can keep in touch with your former boss? Below are a few tips that can help you achieve this.
The social media space is one of the easiest channels to keep in touch with anyone. As a professional, connecting with your colleagues and bosses on key social media platforms is an easy way to know what is going on with them; both personally and professionally. You just have to find a social media platform that presents you in a professional light and helps you to stay in touch. Remember to be yourself but maintain a balanced, responsible, and positive social media presence.
Attending an event organized by a former boss or inviting them for your own event can be a great way to catch up with them. Also, when you are invited to their events, you should put in a significant level of effort to attend. In addition to helping you keep in touch with your old boss, such events also provide you with an opportunity to meet those in their professional circle as well.
A bottle of wine, a personalised congratulatory message or a well-packaged shirt or fashion accessory goes a long way in helping you stay in touch with your former boss; especially in a scenario where they are celebrating career achievements. When sending gifts to your old boss, you should keep your gifts within a reasonable range. For instance, you shouldn’t send gifts that can be considered discriminating or offensive to a gender or race. Other gifts you should avoid include intimate clothing, romantic jewelry and cash.
Emails and calls are great channels for staying in touch with your former boss. You should, however, know how to use them – Calls should not intrude into their personal time. You can send a text message prior to a call to request when it’s a good time to call them.
Find smart ways that work for you for staying in touch with your former boss or bosses. Have you been in touch with your former boss? Tell us how you did and whether the relationship has been beneficial to your career in any way.