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In today’s connected world, having a strong network is a real booster for your career and private life. But what makes a good network? How do you maintain relationships authentically and effectively over time? And what role do social media platforms really play? This detailed blog post provides evidence-based, practical answers—seasoned with current studies, data, and a pinch of humor.

What Types of Contacts Matter for Networking?

Not all networks are created equal, and a good mix makes all the difference. Academic research shows that different types of contacts serve very distinct purposes:

• Strong ties: Family, best friends, reliable colleagues—these provide trust and deep exchange. Studies confirm that strong ties form our emotional foundation and offer support in critical moments (Granovetter, 1973).
• Weak ties: Casual acquaintances, distant colleagues, or contacts from other sectors are a source of new information and opportunities. Mark Granovetter’s “The Strength of Weak Ties” showed that loose relationships are key for access to new professional opportunities.
• Potential or future contacts: People you don’t know well yet but with whom it might be worthwhile to connect—whether at events or online. A well-managed network includes a balance of existing and potential contacts to keep things dynamic.

A healthy mix of these contacts makes a resilient, useful network—like a buffet, where both variety and quality matter.

How to Maintain Regular and Authentic Contact

Keeping up with your network is often tougher than creating it. Here are some research-backed tips that help your network thrive and build trust:

• Regularity beats quantity: Small, frequent interactions are more effective than occasional big gestures. A study by Roberts and Dunbar (2011) found that people can actively maintain about 150 meaningful social relationships (the “Dunbar number”), and this requires time and attention.
• Personalization builds closeness: A simple birthday greeting or a quick message about a shared topic lands better than generic phrases. Digital tools like HighFive help manage such reminders and notes so no opportunity gets missed.
• Authenticity and real interest: People quickly sense when contact is made out of duty or self-interest. Openness and genuine interest are key for sustainable bonds. Psychological studies show that empathy and listening are essential for relationship quality.

By making connections smart and everyday, friendships and business relationships can be nurtured equally—whether with a quick call, a coffee invitation, or a personal message.

The Benefits and Limits of Social Media in Networking

Social media is indispensable—but also a double-edged sword—when it comes to networking. Studies and data paint a clear picture:

• Benefits: 60% of the world’s population are active on social platforms, massively expanding access, reach, and visibility (DataReportal, 2024). Platforms like LinkedIn have shown that 35% of users secure new jobs, business partners, or deals by networking there (LinkedIn Study, 2025). Virtual networking saves time and costs, increases flexibility, and boosts productivity (Forbes, 2025).
• Limits: Excessive or unstructured use leads to time loss, distraction, and can negatively impact wellbeing. Studies confirm that excessive social media use correlates with lower academic performance and higher stress (Nursing Students Study, 2025; WHO reports). Real relationships with depth often form less online than in person.
• Finding balance: Successful networking uses social media as a tool—not a one-way street. The key is a conscious mix of digital and face-to-face encounters. Especially personal follow-ups and offline meetings build stronger connections over the long term.

Conclusion: Networking can be more efficient thanks to social media, but it requires awareness of its limits and a personal, empathetic approach.

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With the right mix of contact types, regular and authentic relationship care, and the targeted use of social media, you’re on your way to building a robust, effective network. If you understand and nurture your relationships, you’ll see tangible benefits—professionally and privately, from new opportunities to real friendships.

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Sources:

• Granovetter, M. (1973). The Strength of Weak Ties. American Journal of Sociology.
• Roberts, S.G.B., Dunbar, R.I.M. (2011). Communication in Social Networks: Effects of Kinship, Network Size, and Emotional Closeness. Personal Relationships.
• DataReportal (2024). Digital 2024: Global Overview Report.
• LinkedIn Economic Graph Research (2025). Networking Impact on Career Opportunities.
• Nursing Students Study (2025). Association Between Social Media Addiction and Academic Achievement.
• Forbes (2025). The Advantages of Virtual Networking in 2025.

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Life is full of challenges: tax returns, assembling IKEA furniture, and—let’s be honest—making new friends as an adult. Gone are the days of spontaneous playground bonding or casual chats in shared student kitchens. Now, the questions are: “Where do you even meet new people?” and “How do I overcome this endless shyness?” Fortunately, with science, facts, and some clever strategies, friendship can become a successful adult venture!

Overcoming Networking Nerves

The phrase “I’m just too shy for networking” is something nearly everyone has said. In fact, around 40% of adults in German surveys describe themselves as reserved or shy, especially in new social settings. But shyness isn’t a life sentence—it’s a behavior you can learn and improve, just like riding a bike or mastering small talk. Studies show that targeted training, especially by gradually exposing yourself to social situations, can significantly boost social competence and self-confidence.

The “comfort zone ladder”

The “comfort zone ladder” works wonders: Start by winking at a stranger in a café, progress to chatting at the gym—and eventually, you’ll be confidently chatting at an after-work networking event. Mistakes are absolutely allowed—they’re human! Success rates increase with practice and reflection. Sharing progress with friends and celebrating small wins also helps. Studies highlight how an “accountability partner” provides both encouragement and moral support.

Where and How Adults Meet New People

Many adults think networking means stiff business events or awkward club meetings. In reality, there are countless scientifically-proven “hotspots” for new friendships. According to trend studies and recent Meetup data, hobby groups and leisure clubs have seen a 30% rise in participation since 2022—so pottery classes, photography clubs, and book clubs are now vibrant networking hubs. “Third places”—spaces outside work and home, like cafés, gyms, sports clubs, or dog parks—are considered the backbone of informal networking: regular visits to the same place can increase your connections by 25% over six months. Religious communities are also tried and true: In a US National Congregations Study, 65% of regular churchgoers made at least two close friends through their faith community. If you’re more into digital spaces, online communities and themed apps like HighFive offer more possibilities for connection—and don’t forget about pure chance: According to a Courtly study, 11% of all relationships begin with spontaneous encounters, like parties, weddings, concerts, or even the supermarket.

Top 10 Places for Making New Contacts

• Sports and hobby groups (yoga, soccer, cooking classes, board game nights)
• Cafés, bars, and regular hangouts (“third places”)
• Coworking spaces and libraries
• Volunteer projects and charity organizations
• Workshops, seminars, and continuing education events
• Religious groups and faith communities
• Online communities and Meetup groups
• Neighborhood projects and community gardens
• Parent-child meetups, dog schools, playgroups
• Unexpected opportunities (the classic: waiting in line, supermarket, train ride)

Integrating and Maintaining New Connections Long-Term

New contacts are like seedlings—they need light, water, and above all: attention! Friendship psychology research is clear: quality trumps quantity. Fulfilment in friendships depends heavily on mutual support, resonance, and shared activity. To deepen new connections, create small rituals: shared experiences (meet-ups, digital messages, thoughtful recommendations, or simply showing interest in important life events) build stronger bonds. Proactive integration into existing circles (for example, inviting a new friend to game night) counts for a lot.

Notably, friends who actively care about each other’s well-being strengthen the relationship’s resilience and, according to a long-term study by Ajrouch et al. (2023), demonstrably benefit both mental and physical health. And: routine beats overwhelm! Connecting weekly with new friends stabilizes relationships more than making grand gestures only once in a while.

Practical Tips for Sustaining New Connections

• Establish shared habits (e.g., regular lunch walks)
• Show reliability (offer belonging, keep promises)
• Demonstrate genuine interest and openness to differing life experiences
• Integrate new friends into existing groups (inviting to gatherings, bringing along to events)
• Use digital tools like HighFive for reminders and notes

Conclusion

Making friendships and building networks as an adult is neither magic nor pure luck—it’s a mix of courage, persistence, and strategic action. Overcome your reservations, seize new opportunities, and actively nurture relationships for more joy and health, privately and professionally. With a little practice and humor, your first small talk could soon grow into a real connection!

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Sources:

• Pezirkianidis, C. et al. (2023): Adult friendship and wellbeing: A systematic review.
• Ajrouch, KJ et al. (2023): Friendship Trajectories and Health across the Lifespan.
• Meetup Trend Report (2023): State of Friendships.
• Urban Institute Study (2023).
• Therapy Central (2025): How to Overcome Shyness.
• Courtly: Where do Most People Meet Their Spouse (2025).

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With these tips, “I’m just shy” can turn into “let’s do something!” The next adventure begins with your next good conversation—and HighFive helps ensure new connections become real friends!