I visited Florida this past weekend, and reconnected with several former colleagues and business associates. It was such an invigorating experience to sit down for a cup of coffee with Cristina, a former cast member of mine at Disney now working in sales at a downtown Orlando property. I also took my friend Joe (who recruited me 13 years ago) to a basketball game. As well I had dinner with James, a former coworker from 15 years ago, and spoke to his class at UCF.
Rekindling relationships with those who worked with you can help you reconnect with some of your past successes, explore new opportunities to work together, or just to reminisce and catch up on what has been going on over the past few years.
Being able to combine a business trip with some time with family helped me yet again realize just how much our personal and business lives intersect. Its important not only to connect to people online, but to regularly “break bread” with those who helped you along the way and have been part of your life at so many key moments.
I’m planning another trip in late April/early May to again reconnect with some former colleagues and business associates. This trip meant so much to me; to see the difference that we have made in each other’s lives (and how the relationships I have built with them over such a long period) makes the effort to get there so worth it.
