The value of "weak" ties....

There is a lot written around the value of "strong" ties but what about the value of "weak" ties? Those super successful on social media might argue that the "weak" tie is just a valuable however perhaps you need more of them for them to be valuable.

Adam Grant writes in his book "Give and Take" that when professionals were looking for a new job 17% heard about it from a strong tie, while surprisingly (to some) 28% heard about it from a weak tie.

Why do we value the "strong" tie more that the "weak" tie?

Are we more comfortable asking people we know for what we want rather than asking those people we have only connected with briefly?

Looking at my own situation both on social media and networking (Do you remember networking? The old fashion way of meeting people human to human) I have received more business from my second connections (weak tie's) than from my first connections (strong ties)

A week tie opens up a large unknown network of opportunities.....

Now you may have different strategies depending if you are on social media or networking but a few things are the same......

1: The Law of Reciprocity: Ask yourself what you can offer others rather than what they can do for you. This is important to understand both online and off line. There are a number of people I follow on line who are generous with not only their time but their knowledge and that is why I follow them. One is Tim Denning and I find myself very impressed with his articles and posts. He has a large following now. Another is Jack Canfield (Author of Chicken Soup for the Soul & Success Principals) I followed him to Tuscany in 2014 for his Private Retreat. I only knew him from reading his books and now I follow him online too. The last example is Darren Kelk who I meet through networking and now the founder of Fresh Networking, which I am now a facilitator for Chadstone. This is a great place to start networking if you have never done it before and the hubs are growing fast. (All off line)

2: Explain what you do: I think of it as “the mother-in-law” factor. If I can’t explain it to my elderly mother in law, who was never in the business world, then it needs simplifying. It is not that my mother in law is not smart far from it but she uses no jargon and needs a clear simply explanation. In other words a description that anyone can understand.

3: Have respect for others: Everyone you meet is a person first and business person second. They will not instantly be a match for you and your product or service but they may be someone who passes on your details to another. Always treat people you meet at networking events or online with respect, understanding and with a curious mind. There is a reason why we have two ears and one mouth. 

4: Different types of connections: In the booked called the Tipping Point….. they talk about different types of people that may enhance your business product or service. There are people who are not your client but connectors to your business. They may know a large range of people, recommend your product or service or introduce you to a potential client. It is important to understand that this is the art of networking. While the person you are speaking with may not be a potential client the person they connect with may be.

5: Get out of your comfort zone: Online and offline if you want to expand your networks you need to take action. Networking is an art and going to an event with a friend and standing with him all night may be more comfortable but will not get your message out there. It may be outside your comfort zone (totally) better to have dinner with the friend and network alone as that way you have to introduce yourself !

6: Consistency: This is often the missing link. Whatever you choose to do to expand your networks.....do it consistently with a plan so you can measure your results!

A REMINDER HERE:

“Do. Or do not. There is no try.” Yoda - The Empire Strikes Back

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