The Hidden Power of Your Extended Network—Why Your Next Job May Not Come from Close Contacts
If You’re Relying on Close Contacts for Your Next Role, You’re Making a Mistake
Executives often assume that their next job, board seat, or consulting opportunity will come from their closest professional relationships.
❌ “I’ll just reach out to my former boss or trusted colleagues—they’ll know of something.”
❌ “My network is strong—I don’t need to expand it.”
❌ “If an opportunity is meant for me, someone I know will pass it along.”
But research—and real-world experience—proves otherwise.
Your closest connections already know the same people and opportunities as you do. If they had the perfect opportunity, you’d likely already know about it.
Instead, your next big career move is most likely to come from distant connections—those acquaintances, second-degree relationships, and extended network contacts that introduce you to opportunities beyond your immediate circle.
Let’s explore why these connections drive career success—and how you can strategically expand your network to take advantage of them.
🔹 What Are Weak Ties, and Why Do They Matter?
The "Strength of Weak Ties" theory, introduced by sociologist Mark Granovetter, found that:
✅ Close connections (former colleagues, mentors, friends) have access to the same information you do.
✅ Distant connections (acquaintances, second-degree connections, industry peers) expose you to new industries, companies, and networks.
In short: Your strongest network isn’t who you know best—it’s who you know least.
💡 Real-World Example:
A CEO looking for a new Chief Revenue Officer isn’t likely to ask their best friend for a recommendation. Instead, they’ll reach out to someone they casually interacted with at an industry event or a mutual LinkedIn connection.
That peripheral network is what leads to referrals.
The more second-degree connections you have, the more doors open for you.
🔹 Why Close Contacts Aren’t Enough for Career Growth
Executives often overestimate how much their close network will help them in a job search.
Here’s why that strategy is flawed:
1️⃣ Your close network already knows what you do.
They’ve already connected you to the opportunities they’re aware of.
If they had something for you, they’d probably already told you.
2️⃣ Your extended network introduces you to fresh opportunities.
They bring new perspectives, new industries, and new introductions.
Their contacts are one step removed from yours—giving you fresh career paths to explore.
3️⃣ Hiring decisions often come from second-degree connections.
Most executives are hired through referrals—but not from their closest contacts.
Companies seek external recommendations—which often come from your broader professional circle.
💡 Executive Insight:
📌 85% of jobs are filled through networking.
📌 The majority of those come through extended networks—not close colleagues.
🔹 How to Expand Your Network for More Career Opportunities
If second-degree connections are the secret weapon for career growth, how do you build and leverage them effectively?
1️⃣ Reconnect with Dormant Ties
🔹 People you haven’t spoken to in months or years can be incredibly valuable.
Reach out with a simple, no-pressure message:
“Hi [Name], I was thinking about our time working together at [Company]. I’d love to hear what you’ve been up to—let’s catch up soon!”
💡 Why It Works: People appreciate reconnections, especially when there’s no immediate request attached.
2️⃣ Engage on LinkedIn (Before You Message Anyone)
🔹 Instead of cold messaging people, warm up your extended network by engaging on their posts first. Like, comment, and reshare their insights before reaching out directly.
✅ Example Approach:
✔ Comment on an industry trend they shared.
✔ Send a message referencing something they recently posted.
✔ Tag them in a relevant discussion.
💡 Why It Works: When you engage before reaching out, your name is already on their radar.
3️⃣ Show Up in New Spaces
🔹 Join executive groups—LinkedIn communities, alumni networks, and leadership roundtables.
🔹 Attend conferences, summits, and exclusive networking events.
🔹 Expand beyond your immediate industry—sometimes the best opportunities are in adjacent fields.
💡 Why It Works: The wider your reach, the more unexpected opportunities you’ll discover.
4️⃣ Be a Connector (Before You Need Something)
🔹 Help others by making introductions and offering valuable insights without expecting anything in return.
🔹 If you see two professionals who should know each other—make the connection.
💡 Why It Works: People remember those who help them—and they’ll be more inclined to return the favor.
5️⃣ Make It Easy for People to Refer You
🔹 Your network needs to know exactly how to introduce you.
Bad Example:
❌ “I’m looking for my next leadership role.” (Too vague!)
✅ Good Example:
✔ “I specialize in helping scaling companies build high-performance executive teams. If you hear of an organization looking for strategic HR leadership, I’d love an introduction.”
💡 Why It Works: The more specific you are, the easier it is for someone to think of a referral for you.
🔹 Final Thought: Expand Your Network, Expand Your Opportunities
🚀 Your next role, consulting opportunity, or board seat may not come from your closest friends—it may come from secondary connections.
The more you engage, reconnect, and broaden your network, the more likely you are to:
✅ Hear about roles before they’re publicly listed. ✅ Get introduced to decision-makers in industries you hadn’t considered. ✅ Be recommended for opportunities that fit your expertise.
💡 Who is one connection you can reconnect with today? A quick message might lead to your next big opportunity!