In a recent LinkedIn post, Roberta Matuson shares a personal anecdote and offers timely advice on the importance of maintaining professional relationships, particularly with former bosses and colleagues. Matuson emphasizes that proactively nurturing these connections can be a crucial safety net in an unpredictable job market.
The Unexpected Turn of Events
Matuson begins by recounting a pivotal moment in her early career. At just 23 years old, she found herself unexpectedly jobless, a situation many in her field experienced simultaneously. This challenging period underscored the vulnerability inherent in even a “dream job.” Fortunately for Matuson, she had maintained a relationship with a previous employer, which led to a new opportunity.
“Nobody ever thinks this is going to happen to them until it does.”
This experience, she explains, highlighted the critical need for a robust professional network. The ability to reconnect with a former boss proved invaluable, demonstrating that past professional relationships can serve as a vital resource during times of career transition.
Proactive Networking: A Call to Action
Building on this personal reflection, Matuson pivots to a direct call to action for her LinkedIn audience. She poses a pointed question to prompt self-assessment:
“When’s the last time you reached out to a former boss or colleague just to say hello?”
According to Matuson, if the answer is uncertain, it signifies that too much time has passed. She advocates for simple, low-effort methods to re-establish contact.
The Simplicity of Reconnection
Matuson stresses that reconnecting does not require elaborate gestures. The key is consistency and sincerity. She suggests:
- Sending a text message
- Making a phone call
- Writing an InMail
The core message, as articulated by Matuson, is straightforward: a brief, friendly outreach can make a significant difference. She advises,
“Send a text, make a call, or write an InMail to say, ‘Hi there. I was thinking of you. Would love to catch up.'”
This approach, in Matuson’s view, is about nurturing relationships before a need arises. She argues against the practice of only reaching out when seeking a favor or a job opportunity. Instead, she champions the idea of “staying in touch” as a continuous practice.
Building a Resilient Network
Roberta Matuson’s post serves as a powerful reminder that professional success is often intertwined with the strength of one’s network. The insights shared underscore a proactive strategy for career resilience. As Matuson concludes:
“Don’t wait until you need something from someone. Now is the time for everyone here on LinkedIn to reconnect with their network. Consider doing this today.”
Her message is clear: the time to strengthen professional bonds is not in the midst of a crisis, but in the everyday moments, ensuring a supportive network is readily available when needed.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Roberta Matuson on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on February 5, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →