I recently met Neil Schaffer who happens to be one of the most connected people on LinkedIn. In his view LinkedIn is a form of Social Insurance that everyone needs and you can never have enough of it. You never know when someone in your network, someone who may have never helped you out before, can provide invaluable advice or connections during a time of need.
I have found this to be true myself. About a year ago I needed help with some of my emails not being delivered and got the solution from one of my 3rd degree connection – who later turned out to become a good friend. Another time, one of my colleagues needed help with publishing a children’s book. Once again several people in my network who I didn’t personally know came through with flying colors.
A virtual network will never replace your real network. However it will certainly enhance it. The larger your virtual network, the greater your Social Insurance.
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