Having a personal network that is expansive, with connections reaching into many different parts of one’s community and beyond, is associated with being happier and healthier and attaining a higher socioeconomic status. Some of this is because successful and happy people find it easier to meet new people, so their successes expand their social networks. But social networks have their own impact, a return on the investment of connecting to others. Useful information and opportunities flow through networks of acquaintanceships. Many people find out about job opportunities from people they don’t know very well, which tend to lead to better jobs than formal employment searches. These weak connections are often sources of important aid, such as help with mundane tasks, information about access to services and resources and knowledgeable advice. Knowing a broad scope of people also increases the kinds of culture and knowledge you’re exposed to, making you a more well-rounded and capable person, and in turn expands the diversity of your social range since a key path for meeting new people is through existing connections.