“The Best Kept Secret in Networking”

Looking for a new job? Maybe you need some good advice. If so, who will you call?

Most of us naturally choose a good friend, someone with whom we feel close. But is that really the best person to reach out to?  

Interestingly, research shows that tapping into good friends is probably not the most effective way to network.

According to a well-known sociology study, people are 58% more likely to get a new job from a weaker connection than they are from a close friend. The reason being, our close friends tend to be part of our same network and therefore have access to the same information we do. So when you think about it they’re going to be of limited help. But acquaintances are often part of different networks and so they can be a source of fresh ideas and a new perspective.

But I know what you’re thinking. Networking in general  – sucks! And, reaching out to someone you barely know to ask for help or advice feels especially awkward, right? I agree. So here’s a better option.  

Why not try reconnecting with a long-lost friend? Someone you knew well but haven’t spoken with in a while. The study shows that these dormant relationships can be the hidden gem in networking. The reason, according to Rutgers University Associate Professor Daniel Z. Levin is that adults accumulate thousands of relationships over the course of their lives.  But, due to relocations, long workweeks, family obligations, job changes, and so on these relationships often go dormant. In the end, and certainly prior to the advent of the Internet, the average person was only able to actively maintain about 100—200 relationships. Now however, thanks to Facebook, Linkedin and other social media reconnecting with an old friend  or colleague is not only a lot easier, it can also be very useful. Levin’s research indicates that there is tremendous networking potential in our dormant relationships. After all, the older we get the more valuable dormant ties become. A friend we haven’t seen in several years is now likely to have many more connections and more interesting experiences that they may be able to share.

Are you still feeling uncomfortable with the idea? Perhaps it would help to know that the study also suggests that most of the time we fall out of touch by accident but, that when we reconnect with an old friend or colleague we also rekindle the old feelings of trust and connection we had with them years ago. Professor Levin found that executives who reactivated dormant ties were ultimately quite surprised by the opportunities presented and the success they had as a result.

So buck up and give it a try. I know the process isn’t fun but you may be pleasantly surprised by the power and potential you still have in your Rolodex!

This much I know.

-Jeanine