In the latest episode of Work Mom Says, Angela Buccellato of the Resume Rescue joined us for a great conversation about the power of LinkedIn. During our conversation, we dive into the six degrees of separation theory and the implications it has for the power of networking.

Keep reading to learn what the six degrees of separation theory is and why it’s a great illustration of how important one connection can be.

What is the Six Degrees of Separation theory?

This theory states that on average any two people in the world are connected through a chain of six acquaintances or less. How is that possible? 

Testing the theory

This theory grew from social psychologist Stanley Milgram’s work in the late 1960s. 

In his experiments, he asked almost 300 people from Boston and Omaha to send a letter to another person – a total stranger in Boston. 

The participants knew the recipient’s name, occupation, and general location. They were instructed to send the letter to a person they knew on a first name basis who was most likely to know the target personally. The next person would do the same until the package reached the target.

The 6 Degrees of Separation in Action

Angela walked us through the six degrees of separation that connected us together. About 5 years ago, Angela was in a cornhole league in Michigan, and at an event, she interjects herself in a conversation at the bar about White Claw Hard Seltzers. One of the guys she’s chatting with invites her to join a networking group. At the networking group event, she meets someone who invited her to the Royal Oak chamber. Through the Royal Oak chamber, she meets my team member Kiley who later introduces her to me. 

While there may not be exactly six people separating Angela and me, our connection speaks to the power of random connections leading to new opportunities. If Angela had never joined a conversation about white claw with two strangers at a cornhole tournament in Michigan, we may have never met. This random moment set off a chain of interactions that created this podcast episode.

Six Degrees of Separation and Networking

Putting this theory into practice can help you create a strong network of professional contacts. These connections don’t need to be close or intimate, and in many cases, they won’t be. You don’t need a close connection to establish a relationship with a mutual acquaintance.

This theory is a great reminder that even if your first contact can’t immediately help you launch your business, get a job, etc., you never know who they can connect you to. This is why it’s important to be kind to everyone you meet, and make the effort to connect with others. From getting a new job, to making a new friend, to guest-hosting a podcast, you never know what opportunities one new connection can give you. 

For tips and tricks on how to put the six degrees of separation theory into action, check out the latest episode of Work Mom Says.