While nothing solid has come of this rekindled connection, it has potential to be beneficial for everyone involved. That alone made the fear and possible rejection worthwhile.
The response to my outreach was so much more than I hoped it would be. It’s always a wonderful feeling to be remembered, especially by those who you think have long forgotten you.
It’s never too late to dig up those old business cards and just say hello. If you can find a current connection, that’s better. However, simply saying, “I was going through an old drawer and found your business card and wanted to say you left an impression on me” might be more than enough.
I write when and where I met the person on the back of the card, just in case. You never know who might be a great resource or connection in the future.