How to Continue a Business Relationship Once You have Resigned.

Submitting your letter of resignation does not mean you have to resign yourself from the long-term colleagues you have acquired in a business relationship. Often times a resignation is simply a step out of one work environment into a better, more productive work environment that suits your needs as an employee. Here are six simple steps to help you make the transition, while continuing a business relationship.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A friendly disposition
• A contact list

How to Continue a Business Relationship Once You have Resigned.

1. During your two week resignation period, tell your colleagues that you will continue to keep in contact with them. Suggest that you can meet them for lunch or dinner after work one day.

2. Collect a contact list of both their business and personal email addresses. Try to get cell and home phone numbers when possible.

3. Join the same professional organizations that your colleagues have memberships with. This will keep you in the loop with your contacts. You will also be able to meet your business contacts for annual functions and events.

4. Invite your colleagues to a game of golf or tennis. Sports are a great way to keep your business relationships afloat.

5. On the last day of your resignation, send a professional, yet heart-felt email to your colleagues. Thank them for all of their hard work and commitment to the job. You may feel obliged to thank specific people (if you worked on a project together). This is your opportunity to show just how great you think your company has been!

6. Send all your contacts a new business card. Once you have settled in to your new office or cubicle, mail your colleagues your updated contact information.

Tips & Warnings

• Resign with a sense of decorum. Do not tell your boss that you hated the workload or your coworkers are horrible people so you have to leave.
• Do not brag to your boss about the amount of money you are making at your new job.
• Never promise your colleagues a position at your new place of employment. Even if you know one may be available. This could make for a sticky situation if your boss gets wind that you are trying to “steal” the company’s employees.
• Never overstep your bounds. It is best not to continuously visit your old place of business. No matter how much your ex-employer loved you and your work ethic, this makes for a disaster. Not only will it seem awkward, but you will look unproductive.
• Do not call or email more than once every two weeks.