3 Ways to Nurture Weak Ties, Moira Rose, & Dwight Schrute
If you've been to one of our dinners, you've heard us wax poetic about the Weak Ties Theory and how it's been so impactful in our businesses. But if you haven't joined us in person (yet!), you might be wondering what weak ties are and why we chose the name Weak Ties/Strong Bonds.
Long story short, in 1973, Stanford sociologist Mark Granovetter released his groundbreaking paper, “The Strength of Weak Ties,” in which his research showed that a person’s weak ties – their casual connections and loose acquaintances – were more helpful than their strong ones in securing employment.
Fifty years later, the theory holds up.
A 2022 study conducted over five years with 20 million people around the world confirmed that “the greatest job mobility comes from moderately weak ties.”
We're all in on weak ties. Our biggest clients have come from them. Our most exciting introductions have come from them. And some amazing friendships have come from them.
So how can you develop and nurture these weak ties? Here are a few simple ways to get started:
1. Make an Effort
Yes, it's easier to sit on the couch and binge 30 Rock(again) than it is to put yourself out there and meet new people. But making just a few new connections each week can have a huge impact. Spend 30 minutes a week reaching out to potential connections on your social platform of choice to see if they're open to a quick chat to learn more about one another and how you can collaborate or support one another.
2. Take Notes
Keep a contact spreadsheet and when you meet someone new, add their contact info, notes from your chat, and a few bullet points on what they do. This way they'll be top of mind whenever you meet someone they should know and the intro will be so easy. (Remember weak ties are all about giving and receiving - afterall, karma is the breeze in my hair on the weekends.)
3. Attend a Weak Ties/Strong Bonds dinner!
We may be biased, but our monthly dinners are a great way to create some new weak ties with other women and gender diverse entrepreneurs over great food and wine. Attendees have gotten new clients, great referrals, and connections with fellow business owners who are cheering them on.
There's one happening next week, but there are only 2 spots left! Grab yours now.
🪢 Laura + Lauren
Things We Loved This Week
Laura’s Things
🪨 Don't mind me, I'm just pebbling.
🐕 This, but with dogs.
📑 Currently 58.
🥂 This winery/pool/blending lab/restaurant I checked out in Temecula last week. (Insider tip: their “tastings” are basically full pours…)
🥚 Eggs.
Lauren’s Things
👗 The Moira Rose vibes wafting off Catherine O'Hara's custom ODLR dress for the Beetlejuice premiere.
👩🦰 My So-Called Life is 30. Oddly, I haven't aged a day while still owning a well-worn DVD box set of the full series. (h/t AO)
⚡️ I missed this epic storm traveling for a client last week, but the photos are sure impressive.
💁♀️ Ohmigodthankyousomuch!
🍾 Every time.
