A network's strength is how many people would form a human chain around you when you're down, so go deeper with the people you already know.
The idea
Measure your network by how many people would form a human chain around you when you're down. Chasing new followers feels productive, but the people who already know, like and trust you are far more likely to be part of your success. With them you've already done the hard part: you met, built some trust and found common ground.
How to do it
Ask who in your network needs a hand right now, and offer help, time or a listening ear.
Skip the perfect post for strangers and send three quick texts to people you already know.
Scroll back through last year's calendar for people you enjoyed meeting, and check your A list for anyone you haven't engaged with recently.
When the person who needs support is you, reach out.
Example
At the When We Were Young festival a mosh pit erupted right in front of me. It looked like chaos, but anyone who fell was helped up instantly, and when someone's shoe came off a human chain formed to protect them. That's the essence of a strong network.
Script
"Hey! You came to mind this morning. Hope you're doing well!"
Depth by Default: The people you already know already trust you, so deepen first; expand only for a specific reason, and follow up with two known people for every new one.
Connection Over Value: Choose who to stay close to by who you genuinely like, not who seems important, because liking is what makes you actually reach out.
The Smooch: The smallest possible touchpoint, and the one I've seen work best: 'Hey! You came to mind this morning. Hope you're doing well!'
A/B/C Spheres: Sort everyone into three tiers by gut feeling (love, like, don't know) and spend more time on A's than B's, and more on B's than C's.