FEATURE: Expanding Our Networks

By Timothy A. Edward

Over the past few months, the world has begun to shift at an unprecedented pace. We are witnessing rapid technological advancements, increased global conflict, and growing uncertainty. Is there hope? Or are the things we once held dear slipping away?

According to recent projections, by 2030, nearly 70 per cent of the skills required for most jobs will have changed, driven largely by the rise of AI and transformative shifts in the global economy. This means the way we work - and the work we do - will look drastically different in just a few years.

At the same time, wars and political unrest are escalating around the globe, threatening peace and triggering shortages in essential goods such as food, medicine, and energy.

Danger of Staying Comfortable

We are creatures of habit. When we find something good, we embrace it - and then we settle. We gravitate toward people who resemble us: same beliefs, professions, age, gender, background. It makes us feel safe.

But here is the reality: we often resist leaving our comfort zones because we do not want to take risks. We crave for the familiar. And yet, the world is changing whether we are ready or not.

The irony is that the comfort zone we cling to can become a trap. When we are hit with disruption - whether it is market changes or personal setbacks - we suddenly find ourselves unequipped. This is why organisations so often bring in outside leaders for change: fresh perspectives spark transformation.

Rethinking How We Connect

The current global climate will soon push us - force us - out of our comfort zones. So how do we respond? One powerful idea lies in the theory of Weak Ties, coined by sociologist Mark Granovetter. For example, research shows that most of our job opportunity connections do not come from close family or best friends, but from acquaintances and distant contacts.

This principle extends beyond individuals to entire nations. The countries with which we have minimal diplomatic or trade relationships could offer untapped opportunities if we are willing to explore them - if we’re open to those connections.

Intentionally Expand Your Network

The strangers you met yesterday - or the ones you will meet tomorrow - might unlock new social and business ecosystems and open doors to a completely new world. This is the time to expand your network deliberately, before disruption makes it difficult to do so.

While it is natural to cling to regional trade and familiar partnerships, we must push ourselves to explore beyond the obvious. We all follow routine social and business paths. But maybe we need to make our network slightly inefficient - deviate from routine, meet unfamiliar faces, explore new markets for our products, or venture into new service industries. It allows unexpected conversations, creative sparks, and new market opportunities to bloom.

Fight Your Filters

Whenever we encounter new people, we instinctively filter them: interesting, irritating, irrelevant, profitable, etc. But we need to question these internal filters. New contacts may not fit neatly into our categories - but they might be the key to collaboration, innovation, and resilience.

Create Social Hubs

Sometimes, the best opportunities come from unplanned, “accidental” B2B encounters. Bravely forge into new relationships that may initially feel awkward or uncomfortable. Build social hubs where organic, unplanned interactions can occur.  These are the moments that build social capital and long-term resilience.

Instead of waiting for the perfect meeting, create spaces - virtual or physical - where connections can happen organically. Embrace the initial discomfort of networking, and press through to find shared values and collaborative possibilities.

Real innovation often happens when we invite a little chaos or disruption. Allowing some inefficiency into our schedule means we may stumble upon creativity and breakthroughs we never expected.

Reach Out with Courage

Not every connection will work out. Rejections may happen. Misunderstandings can occur. But just a few strong connections can far outweigh the ones that fall flat.

Now is the moment to position ourselves for a resilient comeback. Strengthen your social capital while times are steady, so that when turbulence hits, you’re already connected to a diverse and supportive network.

Do not Unfriend Yourself

During hardship - bankruptcy, layoffs and personal trauma – it is easy to isolate. We retreat, cutting off ties except for our innermost circle. But this “mental compression” creates blind spots and limits our options.

Instead, recognise the potential around you. For example, use digital platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook not just to scroll, but to engage with those outside your bubble. Be willing to learn from the unfamiliar.

Rehumanize Business Relationships

Approach people and partnerships not as mere resources, but as human allies. Eliminate transactional thinking. Relationships are not balance sheets - "you did this, now I owe you." Let go of arm’s-length relationships. Offer invitations without conditions. Create space for reconnection and reconciliation. Do not just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.