After a number of speeches that I've been given people have asked when it's too late to follow-up. The first time I was asked this question I joked that relationships aren't milk, they don't expire.

It's never too late to follow-up with someone or reach out to someone you haven't talked to in a long time. As we enter into the holiday season now is the perfect time to make that phone call and reconnect. Remember, in every relationship there are 2 people involved. If you haven't been in contact with a friend for an extended period of time you're only half to blame.

Who just came to mind for you? I'll bet that as you're reading this you just thought of someone that you haven't talked to in a while. Who was it? Right now I want you to write down their name, look up their phone number and pick up the phone. Heck you'll probably get more value from doing that than reading the rest of this post so I won't even be offended if you stop reading right here. :)

Perhaps a couple of people came to mind. Spend a little bit of time thinking about who you'd like to reconnect with. Make a list and make some calls. If you take just this little bit of initiative I promise you'll make a few people's days, or heck, maybe even their month!

The most important part of reconnecting with these friends whether you do it during the holidays or any other time of year is that it simply be about strengthening these relationships.

Warning: If you only call people when you need something or have a favor to ask you may find that your calls stop getting answered and/or returned.

Take advantage of this special time of year, and as the best ever titled book about networking says: "Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty."

Happy Networking!

-Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com