Summer often brings a natural pause in professional routines. Between vacations, lighter schedules, and shifting priorities, it’s easy to lose touch with colleagues, clients, or networking contacts. As fall picks up and routines settle back in, September is the perfect time to re-establish those professional touchpoints with a thoughtful, intentional approach.
If you're looking for more business etiquette tips, check out our recent article, '12 Business Etiquette Rules That Instantly Elevate Your Presence' - a perfect refresher as you transition back into the workplace this fall!
Here are a few gentle ways to reconnect after summer without feeling transactional or forced:
1. Start with a simple check-in
A short message goes a long way! A quick note on Slack, LinkedIn, or email saying, “Hope you had a great summer - would love to catch up soon” shows warmth, and instead of saying you look forward to catching up “soon” it gives a more specific timeline which will cause people to reply more directly as well. This simple outreach signals that you value the relationship and want to pick back up.
2. Reference shared ground
When reaching out, connect to something personal or relevant. For a client, it might be referencing an upcoming project. For a colleague, you could mention a team milestone or ask about their summer highlights. Small touches of personalization make your outreach feel genuine, not generic.
3. Offer a low-pressure meet-up
Instead of launching straight into business, suggest an easy re-entry point. Coffee, a quick video call, or even a walk-and-talk meeting communicates that you’re interested in connection, not just closing an agenda.
4. Respect inboxes and schedules
Post-summer inboxes can be crowded, so keep your outreach brief and considerate. Be clear with your ask - whether it’s catching up, scheduling a meeting, or collaborating on something new. This makes it easier for the other person to respond without feeling overwhelmed.
5. Keep it ongoing, not one-off
Reconnection doesn’t have to be a single September email. Think about building small, consistent touchpoints: sharing an article, sending congratulations for a milestone, or simply checking in every so often. Relationships are strongest when nurtured steadily, not just seasonally.
Reconnecting after summer isn’t about making up for lost time, it’s about easing back into professional rhythms with warmth, thoughtfulness, and respect. A little intentionality now sets the tone for stronger collaboration and lasting connections in the months ahead.
