Here's how you can nurture your professional network and connections post-layoff.

Be more active on LinkedIn. It's important not to just reach out to people when you need something. That's not the way a good relationship works. 1. Post and Share your thoughts - it will get people including your connections to view your profile and think about you. 2. Reach out - Message people to ask how they're doing...and that's it. Don't ask them for anything. 3. Create and participate in groups - Creat and build your own communities around your interests. Networking shouldn't just be done post-layoff, it should be done all the time. #networking #linkedinnetworking #tips #advice

Reconnecting is a definite and what I did/(am)doing currently, however, it is much easier when you work with your network before you need it. If you do not, it comes off as you "only call me when you need me". I don't know about you, but from what I hear from many people who get those calls or text messages from their "friends", a common reaction is "you only call me when you need me". Stay active with your network because when you do need it, you seem more genuine.

I think this should be a proactive approach and this is really very reactionary. I think this should start long before a layoff is even in thought. Being transactional with people only when you need something is felt and seen and heard for sure. Value your connections today - you can reconnect and I love that LinkedIn says tactfully but maybe start out recognizing that you haven't been in touch recently. Updating profiles is a great idea but maybe instead go and and if you can support them first without asking for something!

Yes, ideally all professionals will have been staying in touch with their network of contacts BEFORE the layoff or RIF took place. Pragmatically, many people shy away from this and find themselves out of work with a stale network. In this situation, the advice to be tactful when attempting to re-engage is sound. I'd suggest avoiding phrasing about how much you "value their connection" when you've been remiss in actually valuing it, however. Instead, leverage the fact that people want to think of themselves as "good" and are willing to be helpful if the ask is small. Therefore, don't make them feel like their duty is to help you get a job...simply reconnect and ask for their insights and any people they know you should reach out to.

AMEN! Offer Value all the time. I believe I do that very well because I have shared since 2016 and I do volunteer some of my skills (the others are for my clients) we're in a shareable economy and you can really help people even when you're looking for support! Everyone has different skills and this is a great example it also feels SO good to help people even when you're going through a tough time in a job search!

YES YES YES! Stay active. Get out there. Volunteer once a week. Contact your industry org's - see if they need help. Also maybe reach out to colleges to see if you could give a lecture in your industry. Being active is terrific and will make you feel good and when you're not feeling good and in a job search - this is an excellent balance!

During our careers we're so focused on this second or tomorrow or next week we don't sit and recognize how much we've accomplished. This is a great time to reflect on how much YOU'VE grown over the past 2 or 5 or 10 years. Then you can really see what strategies you used to move those companies. Remember it's you doing it - not the CEO folks! :) Take credit for your work but you need to know what you did first.