[atak1]

Thanks for summarizing! These points resonate with me bc I used to be an introvert, but found the extrovert inside of me a couple years ago (ironically, during pandemic).

A few additional points to make these macro data-based observations practical:

1. Saving your energy means ironically fewer convos.

2. A good proxy for "people who are most likely to be interesting" is the idea of reading their "energy". People whose energies are more similar to you are likely to resonate with you.

3. The article doesn't touch on follow-ups bc LinkedIn doesn't have that dataset. But follow-ups contain a wealth of information. For me currently they are the "breaking point" - most of my potential weak ties that could be strong ties remain at weak ties bc they descend into scheduling hell or lack of proactiveness (i usually follow up, and it's hard when i don't have time already as a founder).

4. This "sweet spot" is just in terms of LinkedIn mutual connections, which is weak bc LinkedIn connections are noisy. The real number is probably <10. Some say it's 6. I suspect it's actually 4 based on empirical evidence, where 3 of the 4 aren't captured on LinkedIn.

5. Try asking for their Instagram before LinkedIn next time. This might not be for the HackerNews crowd, but Instagram contains 2/4 or 3/4 of the missing signals that LinkedIn doesn't capture - what you do outside of work, where you are in your life journey / hero narrative, and what your life direction is.

6. Overcoming all your instincts in real world is tough. This takes a string of positive, warm, open interactions. Going to a few small, closed group events may help. Check out Saturday, Supermomos, or go to events at a private social club to "warm up" before going to larger tech events. Hopefully they cultivate a sense of "intimacy" in you, which is the energy you want to lead with from first interaction.

Hope this helps whoever bothered to read this from top down. If any of these points resonates, email me at [e-mail]