Networking Pro-Tip: Weakening An Already Weak Tie
Those less close connections in your network? They're valuable, so treat with care, not convenience.
Wide networks, on the other hand, may be weak on intimacy but are richer in diversity.*
I'm an acquaintance in your network. I get it.
We've crossed paths in the entrepreneurship space, especially at female founder events. If my memory is correct, the last time was 2018 at a conference we both attended IRL in Montreal.
But no need to dwell on that because there is an actual point to my rambling. And the point is this: while we're not BFFs, we are acquainted. And as a solid acquaintance, as a valuable "weak tie" in your network, your email outreach is not sparking the least bit of enthusiasm to connect (whether you'd honestly "love to" or not, but honestly, the email doesn't really exude a genuine mutual interest in catching up, so yeah, I'm doubting the "love" and skipping the meeting).
Hi J. Kelly,
I'll be in town for an event on Aug __ and have a space in the afternoon from 12:00-2:00pm ET and would love to see you.
It'll be a super low-key catch up in the midtown area.
Please RSVP and we can find a convenient location.
I'd love to fill you in on all the latest and hear about what you are up to. Feel free to share this out to other women or non-binary folks that may be curious to learn about XYZ.
Here's more about XYZ that you're invited to take a look at and/or share out...
Also, if you're interested in joining the XYZ NYC WhatsApp Group, reply and we'll send you the link to join!
Hope to see you then.
[Name of sender here]
*Quote pulled from the Build Your Dream Network podcast episode: Does Your Network Support Your Ambitions? where I discuss the two types of networks (broad & narrow), and why weak ties are a critical source of career support.