Second Order Networking
July 25, 2007
Jason had a great post today about what I would call “second order networking” – the concept of using someone you are networked to to network to someone that they don’t know. This is the equivalent of making a “3rd” connection on LinkedIn, because the request goes from you to someone you know, ultimately to a person that they don’t know (through another contact).
From Jason’s post:
“In each case I was asking for my network contacts to hook me up. Here’s the interesting thing: in every case they did not know the person that I needed to talk to.
This presents an interesting decision….
But here is what I would do. I would take the opportunity to grow my own network and try and make the connection. Why? It’s easier to go to someone that you don’t know with a purpose…
It’s a great point – not only does this type of networking allow you to expand your own network, but helps your network expand theirs.
I loved the concept so much that I think I’m going to send a few emails… I could use an introduction or two.
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Comments
2 Responses to “Second Order Networking”
I think that’s called “trusted introducer”. There are problems with trusted introducer, to include the fact that the reputation system must take into account that multiple people could become registered within the hierarchy using different names (or email addresses, or snail mail addresses, or cc’s or whatever else goes into the verification/vetting process). PKI helps with this a little, but it also has similar attacks against it.
For systems like friendster and linkedin, it’s pretty useful though.
Mike,
Just the other day I was looking for the “introduce two people you know to each other” button on LinkedIn. Couldn’t find it so I had to send you the email instead. I know that Xing (formerly OpenBC used mostly in Europe) has this introduction capability.
Steve