Not everyone is going to be your nonprofit bestie. Full stop.
Relationship building in this sector can be TOUGH when time is limited, resources are few, and attrition can leave you feeling like there is a revolving door of co-workers.
But what are we missing out on by not actively connecting with others in the social impact space?
Is there a power and a strength to those casual connections we gain through in-person and online networking?
Let me introduce you to the “Weak Ties Theory.”
The strength of weak links
I am sure, my fellow Canadian nonprofiteer, it's easy to sink into the echo chamber of Canadian nonprofit work.
(It can’t be just me who feels like everyone knows everyone in Toronto right?)
But when we stick only to conversations with our strong ties (i.e., close relationships with friends and family), we lose access to new information, opportunities and diverse perspectives. Developed in the 1970s by Mark Granovetter, the “Weak Ties Theory” is truly one of the most revolutionary concepts in social psychology of the past century.
At its heart is the idea that our closest connections—those we interact with frequently and share a lot in common with—are often quite similar to us. These strong ties are great for support and shared understanding but they usually don’t introduce us to new ideas or perspectives because we all swim in the same informational waters.
| Aspect | Strong Ties | Weak Ties |
| Frequency of interaction | High | Low |
| Emotional support | High | Low |
| Access to diverse information | Low | High |
| Innovation and new ideas | Low | High |
| Network resilience | Medium | High |
| Job opportunities | Medium | High |
On the flip side, weak ties are those less frequent, more casual connections. These folks move in different circles, have access to different networks, and therefore, bring fresh, diverse insights. Imagine connecting with someone who works in a different sector or even in a different part of the world; they can introduce you to innovative approaches and solutions that you might not encounter within your usual circles.
In the nonprofit sector, where resources are often limited, tapping into these wider networks is invaluable. I would argue it has become CRITICAL to long-term success and sustainability in today’s fast-paced world where nonprofit collaboration is becoming a must, not a nice-to-have.
Building and nurturing weak links
To harness the power of weak links, it is going to be essential that you are intentional about building and nurturing these connections.
I have been working now in social impact for over 8 years. 3 years ago, I began to really focus on building a network by making time in my day to meet new people, hear their stories, listen to their challenges and connect people/communities to solutions.
This has been a game changer, not only for my career but also in my personal life.
For every moment I took to prioritize authentic connection I have been given back opportunities/resources/connections tenfold.
Remember, a brief conversation or a shared experience can lead to unexpected partnerships and opportunities.
Practical steps to enhance your network
Wondering how to get started? Here’s how I built out a social impact network of “weak link” connections.
1. Attend cross-sector events: Engage in events that attract a wide range of professionals, not just those within your immediate field. There are MANY new, small Canadian meetups starting in the nonprofit sector. Take the leap!
2. Leverage social media: Platforms like LinkedIn are perfect for connecting with individuals outside your usual network. The number of cold messages I have sent saying “loved your post on X” that resulted in a call to resource sharing to friendship is more than I could count.
3. Be a connector: Introduce people from different areas of your life to each other. This was how the concept of The Nonprofit Hive was born. I had met SO many incredible people that I wanted to all become friends that I knew having a platform for connection would help make that possible.
4. Stay curious: Approach new interactions with curiosity and openness. Ask questions and show genuine interest in others' work and perspectives. Say “yes” to community and connection (even when your time may be limited).
Conclusion
The nonprofit sector shows signs of stagnation, entrenched ideas and an uphill battle for change. But those of us focused on building out weak links have a unique advantage. We are finding space to expand our network, embrace collaboration and learn some critical new piece of information regularly.
In The Nonprofit Hive this looks like weekly opportunities for a 1-1 call. On LinkedIn this can look like a quick message of support for another nonprofiteer and a coffee chat request. In your Inbox this can look like a follow-up with an acquaintance you met long ago but haven’t touched base with in a while.
By actively cultivating weak links, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities.
Tasha Van Vlack is a co-founder at The Nonprofit Hive, a free video platform for changemakers to connect weekly and collaborate one-to-one. Tasha has been building bridges and connecting with nonprofit professionals for the last 7 years through a mixture of marketing, sales and customer success conversations. Tasha’s passion is people and you are most likely to find her in her spare time floating around LinkedIn or Slack channels.
