Universities have a long tradition of maintaining strong alumni networks. Corporations however are less effective at ensuring those that leave their collective embrace are followed and nurtured.
As I'm in the process of leaving CMI this is a subject of real interest to me. Whilst I will continue to contribute to the various online media at CMI there are no official processes to keep in touch that I'm aware of.
The Wall Street Journal has an article today on the power of corporate alumni networks that is well worth reading.
More companies are launching – or rejuvenating – employee alumni networks, recruiting former workers they say are more productive, easier to integrate and more valuable now that they bring new skills to the table. "We know them, and they know us," says Neal Wendel, a managing director at Credit Suisse.
The network at Credit Suisse uses traditional Facebook style facilities to allow ex-employees to keep in touch with the Credit Suisse family. Credit Suisse says the network also helps it spot new business opportunities as ex-employees move to client firms, giving the bank an "in" when pitching projects.
With the technology so easy to deploy it seems a bit of a no brainer. I wonder therefore why so few companies do it?
As you rightly say, it does seem a no brainer, especially as the technology to allow this is so easy. Heck, even something as simple as an alumni page/group on Facebook or LinkedIn would be better than nothing.
This is vital, especially as so few companies seem able to attract the right kind of talent.
http://www.managers.org.uk/news/businesses-strugg…
There's a good piece here about when people leave a company
http://www.inc.com/articles/201111/how-to-break-u…
The analogy they use is that of a breakup and that hurt feelings often result in a complete breakdown of the relationship, thus making renewed contact quite difficult.
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