The networks we saw in this chapter connected computers located far away from each other. You may find it useful to extend this idea to develop a far$-$flung network of people you can count on for professional development. Weak ties, people you only meet occasionally, are a very important source of information for job opportunities$\mathrm{.}14$ Since they move in different circles, weak ties become aware of opportunities that would not typically be known to you. For example, weak ties can be maintained by creating a LinkedIn profile and nurturing it carefully. The wider your network of weak ties, the more useful it can be for you.

$1.$ If you do not have a LinkedIn profile, please create one. What is its URL? $($It is assumed that you are not averse to creating a LinkedIn profile. If you are, simply submit a link to the LinkedIn home page.$)$

$2.$ Distance in social networks can be measured in various ways$$how often you meet someone, how different someone$$s social circle is compared to yours, and so forth. In keeping with the theme of this chapter of large distances, what are some of the connections you may consider to be weak ties? $($It is a good idea to maintain privacy, so you may report these connections in abstract terms, such as $$an expert at a client firm I worked with on a project$$ or $$a childhood friend who has relocated to a different continent,$$ and so forth.$)$

$3.$ In your estimate, what fraction of your LinkedIn network is a $$wide$-$area network$($i$.$e$.,$ composed of weak ties$)?$

$4.$ What are some ways your LinkedIn profile and network can help you? $($A web search should be very useful.$)$