Max Ste�n, the co-author of this piece, conducted a study as part of his masters' thesis, entitled: The Strength of Strong Ties in Business Referral Networks.  The results of this study showed that those who focused on strong ties - rather than weak ties - were able to increase the number of referrals from networking by 2100% - with an increased value of 63%!

Twenty-eight percent of the people surveyed did not take this approach. Rather, they focused on their weak ties more. Why are so many people focusing on the wrong type of relationships to build their referral base?

Here is what we see as the core of the problem: In 1973, an incredibly influential researcher by the name of Mark Granovetter stated that when networking for employment, you should look through your weak ties or connections in order to more efficiently reach your goal.

Granovetter argued that through your weak ties, you would find the most new information and new opportunities. Hence the phrase that was coined from his research: "The strength of weak ties." Since then, many people have focused on simply expanding the number of connections they have and not focusing on thequality of those connections.

Based on this new research, however, it is clear that "weak ties" may be relevant to job searches but that "strong ties" are critical for the generation of greater quality business referrals. 

Dr Liz McGinley is joining the Park Ridge Board of Health in announcing the beginning of a Weight Loss Challenge. The run will be from April 23 - July 15.  The goal is for participants to lose at least three pounds during the twelve-week period and have an overall group weight loss of at least 100 pounds.  The weight loss challenge is part of Mayors Wellness, a national and state program that strives to improve health and reduce health care costs through community initiatives.

The Park Ridge Weight Loss Challenge is open to anyone who lives or works in Park Ridge and is at least 18 years of age.   Participants are required to register, weigh in at least six times and lose and maintain the loss of at least three pounds during the 12 week program.  Participants who succeed are eligible to take part in a drawing for prizes at the end of the Challenge.  Attendance at fitness and nutrition programs or other Challenge events entitle participants to additional chances for a prize drawing.  A calendar of events will be available.

Participants in the Weight Loss Challenge are asked to bring their completed registration form to one of our three partners for an initial weigh-in. Participants can also complete their registration form on site at CrossFit Ignite (33 South Maple Avenue in Park Ridge), The GYM (2 Chestnut Ridge Road in Montvale), or The Spine and Health Center of Montvale (2 South Kinderkamack Road in Montvale).  

Registration forms can be obtained at these partner locations as well as Borough Hall, the Park Ridge Library and online at parkridgeboro.com.

A kick-off for the Park Ridge Weight Loss Challenge will be held at the Park Ridge Council meeting on April 22 at 8:15 PM.  At that time, registration forms will be available and representatives from our three weigh-in partners and the Bergen County Department of Health Services will be present.

For more information, visit parkridgeboro.com, call (201) 822-3191 or email June Bertini at jbertini@parkridgeboro.com.