Question: I’ve somewhat neglected my network over the last few years due to new responsibilities at my company, illness & death in the family.  My work schedule does not permit me to attend networking meetings as often as I have in the past.  1)What is the best way to refresh past contacts? 2) What is the best way to keep all contacts fresh going forward?

Answer: This challenge is not uncommon at all. It's natural that people network more when they have more time and less when they're busy, often working on opportunities created by their networking efforts. The fact that this was asked as 2 questions is perfect, as there are truly 2 challenges. 1) Reconnecting after a break and 2) Staying better connected so you don't have to do #1 too often.

Let's start with refreshing past contacts after a break. I joked with an audience once after a similar question that your relationships aren't like milk... They don't have an expiration date. They might get a little stale, but that's easily fixed. It's really as simple as reaching out to reconnect. I prefer a more personal touch like a phone call, but an e-mail works just as well. If you really had a good relationship the lapse in contact really shouldn't matter. They're likely very glad to hear from you and will be looking for an update. You should be looking for the same for them.

One word of caution here. If you repeatedly disappear and find yourself having to "refresh your contacts" in this way you will quickly spoil your relationships if you're only reaching out when you need something. Your communication needs to be at least as much about them as it is about you. If you're not geniuinely interested in what's happening with them and what's changed in their lives since you last spoke then 1) you probably don't really have a very good relationship with this person and/or 2) networking is probably not your thing. If this is only about you and your needs this will put you squarely in the nasty networker category.

Once you've made that first reconnection you really should be able to continue the relationship like nothing ever happened. Find a time to meet face to face and just start where you left off. Most people will be glad that you thought of them and took the time to reach out and reconnect. Think about how you feel when you hear from a long lost friend you haven't heard from in a few years. It's a good thing and we can ALL do this at any time.

Now that that you've reconnected with your network how do you keep those relationships strong moving forward even though you might have limited time. They key here is communication. Do what you find works best for you and what you're comfortable. The more the better and anything is better than nothing. Here are a handful of ideas:

1. Use social networking tools. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter (listed in order of the time they require) are great ways to stay in touch with your network. First many of them are already there. Second it provides two way communication. You're able to keep up to speed on what's happening in the lives of the people in your network and you're able to keep people posted on your current status as well.
    
2. You know those 2 page Christmas letters that one relative or close friend sends every year that provides a full update on all the significant stuff that's happened in the last year? I get a very small number of these types of updates from some people in my network on a slightly more regular basis. They seem to send them somewhere between quarterly and every 6 months or so. They might feel a little cheesy to write, but I love them. I can't keep up with every single status update on Facebook and these are a great way to let me know what's happening in the lives of my good friends. Hint: ONLY send this type of communication to close connections. Sending it to people you don't know very well really is cheesy.
    
3. Make it a priority to attend 1-2 regular events each month. This is a great way to keep your toe in your community without spending a ton of time at many different events.
    
4. Identify who your core network really is. My second suggestion above also requires this type of work. Once you have that list host your own event on some type of regular basis. It might be monthly, maybe quarterly. Not everyone will be able to make it, but this is a great way to stay top of mind with your own inner circle, and provide them a reason to get some face time with you. The best part of this is that it brings your network together and they all have something in common... You!
    
5. Get creative. What are you known for? How can you add value for other people? This wasn't my original intent when I started, but I'm able to stay in touch with nearly my entire network every week through my Weekly Referral Newsletter. I don't expect everyone to read every issue, but at least they know I still exist. Plus it's super easy for them to just hit reply and connect with me. How cool is that? What can you do?

In the end you have to find what works best for you. Leverage your passion and your strengths and keep those relationships strong.

Happy Networking!