"Hey, how ya doin'?"

Here's a handy way to reconnect with clients, editors, interview subjects, publishers, whomever -- especially if it's been a while.

Sometimes we just lose touch with those we've worked with, or would like to work with. And it might feel clunky or pushy to just drop them a line out of nowhere. One thing I do is regularly check the appropriate B2B magazines, industry publications, general and business newspapers in the person's geographical area for their "In the News" section that lists award winners, promotions, lateral position moves, board of directors' appointments, etc.

If I spot a familiar name, I immediately send them a quick e-mail that basically says: "Just read about your [FILL IN BLANK]. Congratulations." Short and sweet. And I do not solicit my services or try to get work out of them. It's meant to refresh their memory on who you are and what you can offer them. If they're interested in doing business, chances are they’ll respond and broach the subject.

You can even set up a Google Alert on the person so you'll get an e-mail anytime their name is published on the Web.