Networking To Access Hidden Job Market

Did you all know LinkedIn has been conducting a big experiment on-say 20 million- of us? They varied the people that appear in the "people you may know" column so that they were mostly strong or weak ties and investigated whether we added these connections, and how this impacted our job prospects. Turns out, as much as it's nice to see a familiar face, those of who were exposed to (and added) weaker ties were more likely to get a job through that tie. People we interact with the least on LinkedIn, and those we have moderately few mutual friends with are the most likely to get us jobs. Why? While this wasn't investigated by the study, we can speculate that people we're very close to have access to similar information we do. It's those weaker ties who know about roles we may otherwise not be exposed to. Takeaway: Cast a wide net with your LinkedIn connections 🙂 . Don't be afraid to ask your weak ties for job prospects. Note: In the graphic below, the Y axis indicates "probability of job transmission"

A follow-up to something I posted earlier… The most valuable person in your network probably has nothing to do with your industry. That sounds backwards. But here's what most people miss about networking: The connections that look "irrelevant" create the most exponential growth. The ones that seem "practical" just keep you moving in straight lines. I think about people in my life who have made a real difference, like Michael Roderick, a friend who used to be a Broadway producer and inspired me on my journey to start writing musical theater. As I write about in The Long Game, there are three types of networking most people never distinguish: Short-Term Networking: You connect because you need something now. It feels transactional because it is. People sense the agenda immediately. Long-Term Networking: You build relationships in your field over time. Smart professionals do this consistently. But it's the baseline, not the breakthrough. Infinite Horizon Networking: This is where exponential growth happens. You connect with people completely outside your sphere. Not because you need something. Because they spark curiosity. The astronaut who changes how you think about systems. The comedian who teaches you timing in presentations. The dog breeder who shows you patience in development. These connections seem impractical. They won't help you close a deal next quarter. But here's the paradox: When you stop optimizing for immediate relevance, you start accessing ideas no one else in your field has. You think differently. You solve problems differently. You become unforgettable in a sea of people with identical networks. Your greatest opportunities emerge from conversations you never expected to have. Networking isn't just a business tool. It's about becoming more curious. More creative. More human. When you connect out of genuine curiosity, you don't just build a network. You become someone worth knowing. It's the most rewarding investment you can make in your personal and professional life. Think about the people in your life who inspire you most - and ways you can begin to spend even more time with people outside your sphere.

If you run a small business, networking isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s an investment. Over the past year, I’ve attended events from an Amazon Web Services (AWS) soccer game to an American Express panel, and even a LinkedIn for Marketing launch party in NYC. One thing became clear: the connections you make and how you nurture them, can shape your business in ways you don’t see immediately. Here are 5 strategies that have made a real difference for Brkaway: Invest in conversations, not contacts. Showing up isn’t enough. At the AWS soccer game, I spent halftime asking people about their businesses and challenges instead of pitching Brkaway. That curiosity opened doors, sparked insights, and reinforced a simple truth: networking is about investing in others first. One warm introduction can change everything. Referrals and intros have outsized impact. A single connection might lead to a client, partner, or advice that saves months of trial and error. Showing up in the right rooms consistently keeps your business top of mind with the people who matter. Listen more than you pitch. At events like the AMEX panel, listening carefully was more powerful than rehearsing my elevator pitch. When you focus on understanding what others need, you build trust and credibility. People remember how you made them feel, not your elevator pitch. The best connections happen in between. At the NYC launch party, some of the most valuable conversations happened casually.. waiting for elevators, grabbing a drink, walking between spaces. Casual, unscripted moments often lead to more authentic relationships than formal networking. Follow up or it didn’t happen. Meeting someone is just the start. The real investment comes afterward: connecting on LinkedIn, tracking conversations, setting reminders, and engaging with people’s content. That’s how relationships grow into opportunities. Remember, networking isn’t a checkbox. It’s equity in your business. 

I used to see WhatsApp as purely personal. Group chats with friends, family messaging, and almost constant memes. But over the last year, that perception has had to shift, and it’s a shift that signals a trend towards an ever increasing blend between personal and professional. I’ve found myself increasingly part of WhatsApp groups with founders, investors, and niche interest communities. These aren’t “networking groups” in the traditional sense , but it does still qualify as networking (of sorts). These communities, often informal and sometimes chaotic, are surprisingly valuable. In some, I’m highly active but in others, I’m more of a listener. As with any community, you get out what you put in, and I think it’s important to have a “how can I help?” rather than “what can I take?” attitude. This week alone, during London Tech Week, several of these groups turned into real-world meetups: teas/coffees, introductions, collaborations, and new ideas. One of the most unexpected? A WhatsApp group of football supporters (200 miles from our actual club) that led to meaningful connections with other London-based founders, all from a shared love of an non-business interest. It’s reminded me: ➡️ Community doesn’t have to look like traditional “networking.” ➡️ Founders can (and should) help each other. ➡️ The lines between personal and professional may just be converging into something more human. Sometimes the best intros don’t come from a attendee list, but from a group chat you didn’t expect. How has such a community unexpectedly surprised you? #LondonTechWeek #StartupLife #FoundersHelpingFounders #CommunityMatters

I stood at the edge of the corporate world.  Behind me: 20 years of steady bonuses and familiar faces.  Ahead: The unknown world of starting anew. One step and I'd be in free fall. I took that step. Mid-fall, I realized I needed a parachute, one built of connections and insight. So I started weaving. I reached out to 100+ leaders who'd made this leap before. CXOs, Founders, Innovators on every continent. The results floored me: • 99 out of 100 strangers said yes (Only one person said "I'm too busy" for this) • Our talks sparked 'aha' moments (For them, they said, not just me. Win-win!) • I scored a dream team of cheerleaders (From strangers to wise guides) Here's the three principles I used: 🌟 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 • Don't just ask what they do, ask "What made you pick this?"  • Ask "What twists happened in your career plot?" • Ask "What drives to do this even today?" 🌟 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 • Ask "What unexpected challenge came up?"  • Ask "What expectations are unfulfilled?" • Ask "What are you still figuring out?" 🌟 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 • Ask "What's one piece of advice you would give to someone in my position?"  • Ask "Who else would you recommend I meet?" • Use the advice to shape your new path. The lesson? Networking isn't about collecting contact cards. It's about curiosity and connection. What one new insight have you uncovered through networking? Photo: me with Peter Bostelmann. One curious chat turned my hero into my mentor. #LinkedInNewsAsia #Networking #Entrepreneurship #EmotionalIntelligence

Most founders waste their networks. Not because of who they know. But because of how those people connect. Psychology calls this the strength of weak ties. Network science calls it triadic closure. I call it the multiplicative effect. Here’s what it means: 1. One investor in your corner is helpful. But one investor + a founder they already trust → money moves faster. 2. One operator giving advice is useful. But that operator + a peer who has scaled before → you suddenly have a repeatable playbook. 3. One ambitious founder friend is inspiring. But that friend + a connector who knows everyone → new doors open without you asking. Each new person doesn’t just add value. They unlock value in the others. That’s why two founders can “know the same people,” but only one of them keeps breaking through. They’ve built a network of intersections, not just individuals. So how do you make this real? - Audit your circle → Who actually knows each other? If your network is just siloed “contacts,” it’s dead weight. - Engineer collisions → Introduce two people who should meet. Every connection strengthens your own position. - Curate the mix → Your circle should have: a capital allocator (VC/angel), an operator (execution muscle), an ambitious peer (to stretch your ceiling), a connector (to expand your reach). Lean into dissonance → If your circle doesn’t make you slightly uncomfortable, it’s not pushing you. Because your ambition isn’t set by your ideas. It’s set by your reference group — the people you measure yourself against. And when your circle compounds, you stop playing the game of “knowing people.” You start becoming the person everyone else needs to know. #network #founders #startups

In today’s interconnected world, 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 has become an invaluable skill for professionals at all levels. Building and maintaining meaningful relationships can open doors to new opportunities, foster collaboration, and drive personal and professional growth. Here are some key strategies for effective networking: ① 𝗕𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲: Authenticity is key in building trust and rapport. Approach networking with a genuine interest in others, and focus on creating meaningful connections rather than just expanding your contact list. ② 𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲: Think about how you can contribute to others before seeking what you can gain. Offering help, sharing knowledge, or connecting people can make you a valuable contact and strengthen your network. ③ 𝗕𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Don’t wait for networking opportunities to come to you. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and engage in online communities to expand your reach. ④ 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮: Platforms like LinkedIn are powerful tools for networking. Regularly update your profile, share insightful content, and engage with others’ posts to stay visible and relevant. ⑤ 𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗨𝗽: After meeting someone new, follow up with a personalized message to reinforce the connection. Staying in touch and showing appreciation can turn a casual acquaintance into a lasting professional relationship. ⑥ 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗠𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀: Look for ways to create win-win situations. Networking should be mutually beneficial, where both parties gain value from the relationship. ⑦ 𝗕𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁: Building a strong network takes time and effort. Be patient and persistent, and remember that quality is more important than quantity. Strategic networking is more than just collecting business cards; it’s about creating a supportive community where knowledge, opportunities, and growth are shared. By investing in your network, you invest in your future success. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙚𝙩𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙟𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙮? 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙞𝙥𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙬! Ruta Pathak Santosh v #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #BusinessConnections #StrategicNetworking

Most people think networking is how you get ahead - NO. Strategic Project Leaders create value and leaders seek them out; hence, their network grows— that is why they rise. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬, 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐮𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬. Executives and decision-makers are not impressed by flattery or forced small talk. They are moved by : ✔️clarity, ✔️ relevance, ✔️your ability to help them think differently or move faster toward a goal. This is where most professionals get it wrong: They network to be seen, instead of networking to be of service. When you shift your mindset from “How can this help me?” to “How can I create strategic value for this person or organisation?”—everything changes. 🪀Doors open. 🪀Conversations go deeper. 🪀Opportunities multiply. Strategic networking is not about volume—it is about intention. It is not only about visibility—it is about value to others. That is how I built relationships with leaders I once thought were out of reach. That is how you position yourself as someone worth aligning with. 👉Not just a professional. 👉Not just a contact. 👉A catalyst. Want to learn how to create value that builds networks like a Strategic Project Leader? Let’s talk. I will show you how I do it—and how you can too. #FolaElevates #StrategicLeadership #Networking #ProjectLeadership #StrategicElites #CareerAcceleration #ProjectIntelligence ----------------------- Adam Grant, a renowned organizational psychologist, also notes that successful networking is not about climbing the social ladder but creating meaningful, reciprocal relationships. This aligns with research from the Journal of Management Studies, which found that leaders with diverse networks are better positioned to identify and leverage new opportunities.

I remember my first professional conference like it was yesterday. I walked in, clutching my notebook like a lifeline, feeling like I was about to jump into a shark tank. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝗹𝗺𝘀 𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗮𝘁. I kept thinking, “What if I embarrass myself?” or “What if no one wants to talk to me?” Sound familiar? But here’s the truth: 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗮𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗮𝘀𝗸! Many of us view it as a necessary evil, a chore we must endure to avoid negative outcomes (what we call a 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀). But what if I told you it doesn’t have to be that way? Instead of seeing networking as a burden, try to envision it as an exciting opportunity to broaden your horizons and foster personal and professional growth (this is the 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀). It’s all about shifting your perspective to embrace the endless possibilities that come with connecting with others. If you find yourself stuck in that “I have to do this” mindset, don’t worry! Here are some fun ways to flip the script: 💫 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: Treat conferences and networking events as opportunities to learn. When you approach them with curiosity, they become way more interesting! Who doesn’t love a good learning experience? 💫 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀: Finding shared passions with others can make conversations flow so much easier. It’s all about connection! 💫 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲: Instead of just thinking about what you can gain, consider what unique insights or talents you can share. It makes networking feel more like a two-way street. 💫 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: When your networking efforts align with a meaningful mission, it becomes so much more rewarding. Think about what drives you and how you can connect with others who share that vision. And here’s the best part: 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁 (𝗜’𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝘆𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳) 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴! Whether you’re outgoing or more reserved, it’s all about your mindset. 𝗕𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿. 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴!

Are you leveraging your "network of networks"? Your connections aren’t just people - they’re access points to entire ecosystems of relationships, resources, and opportunities. Think essentially: 'what is theirs, is yours'. To leverage this: ➡️ Be intentional with your asks. Instead of “Do you know anyone I should meet?” try, “I noticed you’re connected to [specific person/network]. Could you introduce me?” ➡️ Give value before you ask. Want access to someone’s network? Start by offering value - share insights, resources, or connections they might benefit from. ➡️ Dive into new spaces. Your network extends beyond LinkedIn. Look for industry groups, events, or niche communities where networks thrive - online or offline. ➡️ Think exponential, not linear. Don’t just meet people - contribute to the networks you’re part of. Active participation grows your influence and opens even more doors. The secret is understanding how to unlock the networks your contacts are connected to. Does this make sense to you? Have you thought about networking this way before? #Networking #CareerGrowth #Opportunities #MeaningfulConnections