In the fast-paced world of business, it’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of new opportunities, fresh leads, and the next big deal. However, one of the most overlooked yet powerful strategies for growth lies not in forging new connections but in rekindling old ones.

Reconnecting with past business relationships can breathe new life into your network, uncover hidden opportunities, and strengthen the foundation of trust that drives long-term success. As someone who has spent decades building authentic connections—earning the title #TheAuthenticConnector—I’ve seen firsthand the transformative potential of reaching back to move forward. Let’s explore why and how you can reignite those dormant ties effectively.

The Value of Past Relationships

Every business relationship you’ve built over the years—whether with clients, colleagues, vendors, or partners—represents a unique investment of time, energy, and trust. These connections aren’t just names in an old Rolodex or entries in a CRM; they’re people who already know your character, your work ethic, and your value. Unlike cold outreach, where you’re starting from scratch, past relationships come with a built-in foundation. They’re warm leads in disguise, often just a conversation away from reigniting mutual benefit.

Life and business move quickly, and it’s natural for relationships to fade—not out of malice, but simply due to shifting priorities or circumstances. A client might have changed industries, a colleague might have started their own venture, or a partner might have taken on a new role with fresh needs. By reconnecting, you tap into a well of potential that’s been quietly waiting for the right moment to resurface.

Why Reconnect Now?

In today’s unpredictable economic climate—hello, March 2025!—businesses are looking for stability and trust more than ever. Reconnecting with past contacts isn’t just a nostalgic exercise; it’s a strategic move. These individuals already have a history with you, which means less time spent proving yourself and more time collaborating on solutions. Plus, with the rapid evolution of technology and markets, what wasn’t a fit five years ago might be a perfect match today. Their needs have evolved and so have yours. The timing could be serendipitous.

Beyond practicality, there’s a human element at play. People appreciate being remembered. A thoughtful reconnection shows you value the relationship beyond transactional gain—a hallmark of #TheAuthenticConnector mindset. It’s not about “what can you do for me?” but “how can we help each other grow?”

How to Reconnect Authentically

Reaching out after months or years can feel awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is authenticity—don’t force it, don’t fake it, and don’t dive straight into a sales pitch. Here’s a step-by-step guide to doing it right:

Reflect and Research

Before you hit “send,” take a moment to recall the context of your past relationship. What projects did you work on together? What challenges did they face? Then, do a quick online check—LinkedIn, company websites, or even X posts—to see what they’re up to now. This prep work ensures your outreach feels personal, not generic.

Start with Warmth

Open with a genuine message that acknowledges the past. For example: “Hi [Name], I was just thinking about that project we collaborated on back in 2020—time flies! I hope you’re doing well. I noticed you’ve been doing some incredible work with [their recent endeavor].” This sets a positive tone and shows you’ve paid attention.

Offer Value, Not an Ask

Instead of leading with your needs, think about how you can serve them. Share a resource, congratulate them on a milestone, or offer a quick insight relevant to their current work. For instance: “I came across an article that reminded me of your expertise in [field]—thought you might find it interesting.” This builds goodwill and opens the door naturally.

Propose a Low-Pressure Catch-Up

Suggest a casual reconnection—a coffee chat, a virtual call, or even a quick email exchange. Keep it light: “I’d love to hear what’s new with you—any chance you’re free for a quick catch-up?” The goal is to reestablish rapport, not close a deal on the spot.

Follow Through

If they respond positively, don’t let the momentum fizzle. Schedule that call, send that follow-up note, and show up fully present. Consistency turns a reconnection into a renewed relationship.

Overcoming Common Hesitations

It’s normal to hesitate. “What if they don’t remember me?” “What if it’s been too long?” Here’s the truth: most people are flattered by a thoughtful outreach, even if the connection feels distant. If they don’t respond, it’s not a rejection, it’s just timing. And if they’ve forgotten details, a quick reminder of your shared history usually jogs their memory. The risk of reaching out is far outweighed by the reward of what might unfold.

Real-Life Wins

I’ve seen this approach work wonders. One client of mine, a consultant, reconnected with a former colleague a decade ago. That single email led to a referral that landed her a six-figure contract. Another time, I reached out to an old vendor just to say hello—turns out, they’d launched a new product that perfectly complemented my offerings. We ended up partnering on a project that boosted both our businesses. These aren’t flukes; they’re proof that past relationships are a goldmine waiting to be tapped.

Building a Reconnection Habit

Don’t wait for a slow season to start reconnecting, make it a regular practice. Set aside 15 minutes a week to scroll through your contacts, LinkedIn connections, or email history. Pick one or two people, send a quick note, and see where it leads. Over time, this habit keeps your network alive and thriving, ensuring you’re never more than a message away from opportunity.

Let’s Pull it All Together

Reconnecting with past business relationships isn’t about chasing nostalgia, it is about leveraging the trust and history you’ve already built to create something new. In a world obsessed with “newer is better,” there’s profound value in looking back to move forward. As #ScottSchilling often says, success isn’t just about who you meet, it’s about who you keep connected with, authentically and intentionally.

Ready to reignite your network? Start today. Drop me a line at [email protected] or visit www.ScottSchilling.com to explore how we can work together to turn your past connections into future wins. Let’s make reconnection your superpower

#ScottSchilling #TheAuthenticConnector