The Grenier blog
Research-backed writing on weak ties, network habits, and relationship capital.
Dormant Ties Beat Active Ties for Career Outcomes — Here's Why Most People Get This Wrong
A Harvard Business School study found that people you used to know — but haven't spoken to in years — are often more valuable than the people you talk to every week. The reason why is deeply counterintuitive.
May 12, 2026· 7 min read
Networking Is a Habit, Not a Hustle — How Habit Loops Apply to Relationships
Most networking advice treats relationship maintenance as a project. Charles Duhigg's research on habit formation suggests a better model — and it explains why so many networking 'systems' fail within weeks.
May 12, 2026· 7 min read
The Strength of Weak Ties, 50 Years Later — Why Granovetter Still Matters for Your Career
In 1973, Mark Granovetter published one of the most cited papers in sociology. His finding — that your acquaintances, not your close friends, are your most valuable career asset — turns out to be more true today than it was then.
May 12, 2026· 7 min read