Will Your Professional Network "Decay"?

Are you absolutely certain your "network" of colleagues, clients and industry contacts will be there for you when you're ready, or forced, to make a career move?

At my last employer, it didn't really worry me. I've been in the industry 10+ years and have more than a thousand contacts in my Outlook. I'll just let them know I'm looking, I thought at the time.

When I finally left my employer, I took a job as VP of BD at a software company, which, after promises became un-promised, I left after five months. I then turned to my network, and found that I have only stayed in touch with 3 or 4 former colleagues, and my great clients were now "further away."

When a BDP leaves a company, he or she is often are surprised when their networks are not the opportunity windfall they once assumed. A BDP leaving the company? Could be a competitor! Walk em out!

At the very least, the once they've left a BDP is no longer really "useful" to the majority of contacts they may have collected along the way. And the few colleagues that really would care does not a job opportunity database make. BDP co-workers who stay in touch a few months longer than a termination date are not "contacts," they're friends. And as you know, real friends are few and far between.

How does one keep their network fresh? Through an outside affiliation with similarly-situated professionals that will survive their career twists and turns. Professional memberships will always keep you fresh.

Contact me at jgilliam@sbdp.org