Moving to a new city is exciting, but let’s be real, it’s also overwhelming. Among the many things on your plate, such as unpacking boxes, finding your way around, and maybe even dealing with some homesickness, there’s one challenge that can feel especially daunting: maintaining your professional network. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of relocation and let important relationships slip through the cracks. But keeping those connections alive is crucial for career growth, support, and maybe even future opportunities. So how do you manage it? Here are some practical, down-to-earth tips that can help you maintain professional connections after moving to a new city.
Give Your Contacts a Heads-Up
It might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how easy it is to forget to tell people you're moving. Before you pack your last box, take the time to let key contacts know. A quick email or LinkedIn message does the trick. You don’t need to make a big deal out of it. Just send a heads- up like, "Hey, I’m relocating to San Francisco soon, but I’d love to stay in touch!" It shows that even though you’re physically leaving, you’re still invested in maintaining the relationship. If possible, try to meet in person before you go. Grab a coffee, catch up, and make sure they know you’re still reachable, even from afar.
Lean Into Social Media
LinkedIn is your friend here. It’s designed for professional networking, so make sure your profile is up to date with your new job. You would be amazed how often recruiters or former colleagues will reach out if they notice you have relocated to a new area. Plus, your connections may introduce you to new contacts in the city, opening doors that otherwise would have remained closed.
While LinkedIn is great for professional relationships, don’t shy away from using other platforms like X/Twitter or even Instagram if appropriate. Following industry leaders, engaging in conversations, and sharing relevant content are subtle ways to keep yourself on people’s radar. Just remember not to spam or make it all about your move. Instead, keep it simple and organic.
Send Personal Updates, Not Just Professional Ones
Your network isn’t just made up of colleagues or clients. It’s also made up of your mentors, peers, and friends. So, when you’re updating them on your move, don’t make it purely transactional. Sure, mention work-related things, but also share a bit of your personal journey. Maybe you found a great coffee shop in your new neighborhood or discovered a cool local hiking trail. These personal touches help keep relationships warm, build your personal brand, and remind people that you’re more than just your job title.
Set a Regular Catch-Up Schedule
Let’s face it: out of sight, out of mind is a real thing. Once you’re settled in your new city, it’s all too easy for months to go by without checking in with former colleagues or clients. Avoid this by scheduling regular catchups. This doesn’t have to be a big deal. A simple email every quarter, a LinkedIn message, or even a quick phone call can keep the connection strong.
If it helps, set reminders in your calendar to touch base with key contacts. It’s not about being rigid; it’s about keeping up the habit of staying in touch. And let’s be honest, a little planning never hurt anyone when it comes to relationships.
Host a Virtual Coffee or Happy Hour
You might not be able to grab a coffee in person with your old network, but who says you can’t do it virtually? One of the best ways to maintain professional connections after moving to a new city is to set up a virtual coffee or happy hour with a few former colleagues or industry peers. Keep it relaxed and use it as an opportunity to catch up on both professional and personal fronts. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but it can be a great way to keep those relationships going, even from miles away.
Free Up Time to Focus on Your Network
Moving to a city like San Francisco can be a logistical challenge: tight streets, steep hills, and the fast pace of city life can make settling in feel like a full-time job. To stay focused on maintaining your professional connections, consider hiring trusted residential movers to handle the heavy lifting. When you have experts managing the move, it frees you up to focus on more important things, like reaching out to former colleagues or starting to build new connections in your industry.
With the move in good hands, you’ll have the headspace and time to schedule catchups, attend industry events, or simply send that email you've been meaning to write without the stress of unpacking weighing you down.
Find Local Meetups and Networking Groups
Moving to a new city is the perfect time to tap into local resources. Almost every city has some form of professional networking group, from industry-specific meetups to broader events like chamber of commerce gatherings. These are great for continuous learning and making new connections and give you something in common with your existing network. You can say, “Hey, I went to this awesome meetup in San Francisco, and they talked about this topic that you’re interested in, and I thought of you for…"
Follow Up on Favors
One of the best ways to maintain professional connections is by offering value to others. It doesn’t have to be anything grand. Maybe you share an article you think they’d find interesting, introduce them to a new contact, or offer a recommendation for a great place to grab lunch in their city. Keeping relationships alive isn’t just about checking in for your own sake; it’s about staying engaged and thoughtful. When you reach out, ask how you can help. You never know what a small favor might mean the world to someone. Plus, showing that you're still there to support others goes a long way in keeping professional relationships strong.
Don’t Overthink It
One of the biggest hurdles in maintaining connections is overthinking how or when to reach out. Maybe you think too much time has passed, or you feel like you need a significant reason to connect. Honestly, you don’t. Most people appreciate it when they see someone making an effort, even if it’s just to say, “Hey, I was thinking about you the other day. How’s everything going on your end?” You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment or a monumental reason to reconnect. Sometimes, just dropping a line with a casual check-in is all it takes to reignite a conversation.
Stay Open to New Opportunities
Finally, remember that moving to a new city doesn’t mean leaving everything behind. You’ll find new opportunities and connections, and your existing network can play a part in that. Maybe someone knows someone in your new city, or perhaps an opportunity will come up that you hadn’t even considered. Keep an open mind, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice or introductions.
In Conclusion
Moving to a new city can be a fresh start, but that doesn’t mean you need to hit reset on your professional connections. With a little effort and a few practical strategies, you can still maintain professional connections after moving to a new city and even strengthen those relationships. Stay connected, be intentional, and remember – your network isn’t limited by geography. It’s about the relationships you’ve built. Those relationships can and should thrive no matter where you are.
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