It would be easy to believe that in tending to your professional network, you should focus on your core connections, even if that means neglecting contacts on "the fringes." In his book Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell explains why you likely feel that way, and why it is a mistake.
His explanation lends itself to the situation job seekers face. Simply, here is the issue. You already share so much with your stronger connections (same activities, many of the same close contacts, proximity) that they probably don't know about many job opportunities that you yourself aren't already aware of. The collective "intelligence" your weak ties can provide, in contrast, is superior in both volume and by virtue of uncovering opportunities you wouldn't otherwise become aware of.
As you tend to your network, you may want to keep this in mind. You may also want to go out and pick up a copy of Tipping Point right now. Click the link in the left column to order it online.
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