I fell out of touch with my former colleagues at a company I left three years ago. I'd like to get back in touch with some of these folks because I know maintaining a network is a good long-term career strategy, but I'm having trouble figuring out what to say after such a long time. It's been about two years since we've spoken. Any suggestions on how to break the ice?
It's a good thing to establish and maintain your network of colleagues. Even though time has passed, the best and most forthright way to do this would be to actually stop by your former company and say hello. While there you could invite some of your former co-workers to lunch, explaining that you've often thought of them and wanted to find out how everyone was doing. If this approach feels too bold, try calling someone you liked and say that you'll be passing by the area and would like to drop by and re-establish contact. If you need a reason to be in the area, find one -- you're visiting a museum, or seeing an old family friend. If this still feels too difficult, you could send someone an article you know will interest him or her, with a note explaining you would enjoy seeing them again. You can suggest possibilities for getting together or allow them to take the initiative to call you.