Harnessing Your Inner and Outer Circle

Through social networks developing connections with people in your inner and outer circle is easier than ever before. We have always been accustomed to communicating with and relying on our inner circle. Immediate family members, roommates, and close friends are a reliable and vital aspect of our well being. However, advancements in social networking have provided a tremendous leap forward in regards to what our outer circle can provide and these connections are rapidly increasing in value.

In 1973 Mark Granovetter introduced a hypotheses he called “The Strength of Weak Ties”. His argument asserted that our acquaintances (or weak ties) provide a valuable commodity that our close friends (strong ties) can not offer. The reasoning is that our weak ties are less socially involved with each other than our inner circle. However, by establishing a connection with a weak tie you gain access to the resources of that person’s strong ties. Thus, weak ties constitute a bridge between groups of strong ties and foster a network of connections well beyond the scope of our inner circles.

By harnessing and nurturing your outer circle it becomes possible to expand the reach of your voice, as well as seek out the expertise of your connections that can provide information no one in your inner circle has.

To learn more of how to empower your customers to take advantage of weak ties, request a FREE phone consultation with a PayParade Relationship Specialist.

Methods for Harnessing Your Outer Circle

It’s easy to be skeptical and say that there can’t be possibly be more to gain from weak ties than strong ties. Weak can’t be better than strong. Maybe that’s true, but social networks are rapidly making them an equally valuable resource to the community as a whole.

While the people within your inner circle can provide a support structure that every individual needs, the resources of a small group of strong ties do not offer the same benefits to the community that social networks can provide through a massive group of weak ties. Within an inner circle there is a limited amount of perspectives, resources, and reach of influence. However, by harnessing your outer circle through social networks it is possible to quickly and easily gain a wide array of new and diverse perspectives, resources, opportunities, and reach of influence of a message that you are trying to spread.

When looking for work, advice, or the number of a good auto mechanic in your new town don’t limit yourself to only your inner circle with which you have strong ties. Instead, harness the power of social networks and reach out to other people in your community who will share their resources. Maybe one day you will be able to return the favor and offer your expertise to a friend of a friend and make your contribution to the rapidly expanding network of connections.

To learn more of how to empower your customers to take advantage of weak ties, request a FREE phone consultation with a PayParade Relationship Specialist.