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The 5/95 Rule: Why 95% of Cold Applications Fail (and 5% of Warm Connections Win)
Learn the 5/95 rule of job searching. Cold applications are a waste of time. Discover a new strategy using your LinkedIn network to secure a job.

Stacy Cyr
3 min read


Stop Spamming, Start Connecting: The 12-Step Formula for Authentic LinkedIn Outreach Messages
Do your LinkedIn connection requests feel like they disappear into the void? You’re not alone. Generic, salesy outreach messages are easy to ignore. The problem? The most valuable connections, the mentors, potential partners, leaders at companies where you want to work, typically only respond to outreach that is personalized, relevant, and respectful of their time. n our guide, we break down the simple, 12-step formula we use to craft high-impact LinkedIn messages.

Stacy Cyr
3 min read


Unlocking the Hidden Power of Your Network: Stop Chasing Connections, Start Cultivating Them.
We’ve been told to connect with everyone. We accepted the requests, amassed the numbers, and now we look at a feed filled with noise, distraction, and a general feeling of overwhelm. Your professional network should be a powerful asset for career advancement, skill development, and collaboration. Instead, for most, it’s a source of anxiety. The shift starts here: The power is not in the size of the list; it's in the intentionality of the relationships.

Stacy Cyr
2 min read


How to Actually Use Your Network to Find a Job
You’ve heard the cliché: "It's not what you know, it's who you know." But let’s be honest, logging into LinkedIn and sending a generic "open to work" update or a cold connection request to a hiring manager often feels like shouting into the void. Your network is an incredible asset, but most people use it passively. The secret to an effective job search isn’t growing a massive, random network; it’s about activating the high-impact connections already in your orbit —the people

Stacy Cyr
4 min read


Top LinkedIn Networking Advice & Tips to Succeed
Building a strong professional network on LinkedIn can open doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and career growth. However, simply having a profile is not enough. To truly succeed, you need to engage strategically and authentically. Let's explore practical and actionable tips to help you master LinkedIn networking and make meaningful connections. Crafting a Compelling LinkedIn Profile Your LinkedIn profile is your digital first impression. It needs to be clear, professi

Stacy Cyr
3 min read


Optimizing Your LinkedIn Profile for Success: Your Digital First Impression
In today’s professional landscape, your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression you make on a potential employer, client, or...

Stacy Cyr
2 min read


Using Networking Platforms for Maximum Impact: It’s Not Just About Connections, It’s About Strategy
Networking and Making Connections In the age of digital transformation, networking is no longer confined to conferences and happy hours. Your professional network now lives online, primarily on platforms like LinkedIn. But simply having a profile and a list of connections isn't enough. To achieve maximum impact, you need a strategy. This guide will walk you through the key principles of using online platforms to cultivate a robust and valuable network . We'll also highlight h

Stacy Cyr
3 min read


Mastering Effective Social Networking: From Passive Scrolling to Purposeful Connections
In today's digital world, "social networking" has become a casual term for scrolling through feeds and liking posts. But what if you...

Stacy Cyr
2 min read


When Is the Best Time to Start Building Your Network? The Answer Might Surprise You.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.” That wisdom applies perfectly to networking. Too often,...

Stacy Cyr
2 min read


The Rise of Fractional Work (and How Your Network Can Help You Get There)
The way we work is changing. More professionals are leaving traditional full-time roles in favor of fractional work where highly skilled...

Stacy Cyr
2 min read


What’s the Difference Between Alpha and Beta Testing (and Why It Matters)?
When you hear about a new app or product launch, you’ll often see terms like Alpha and Beta . But what do they really mean, and why are...

Stacy Cyr
2 min read


Building a Strong Network: A Key to Entrepreneurial and Independent Contractor Success
Discover networking strategies for entrepreneurs and independent contractors to grow pipelines, build relationships, and succeed with Bonsai Social.

Stacy Cyr
4 min read


Mastering Your Professional Network: Tips for Success
Building and maintaining strong personal and professional networks is a vital skill in today’s ever-changing digital world. Whether for...

Stacy Cyr
4 min read


How to Build a Strong Professional Network
In our ever-evolving professional landscape, the ability to connect and build relationships is more crucial than ever. Creating strong professional connections is not just a networking tactic; it is an art that can significantly impact your success. Whether you aim to expand your career opportunities, find a new job, gain new skills, or collaborate on exciting projects, mastering this art will be your ticket to unlocking countless doors.

Stacy Cyr
5 min read


How to Use LinkedIn to Build Your Network
What Is LinkedIn and Who Uses It? LinkedIn is the largest professional networking platform in the world. Whether you're building a peer...

Stacy Cyr
3 min read


Is Your LinkedIn Network Lying to You?
What actually is a network? Let’s get real for a second. A network isn't your connection count. It’s not how many business cards you've awkwardly exchanged at conferences. A real network is made up of people who: actually know what you do (and do well), would pick up the phone if you called, could introduce you to someone useful, and/or trust you enough to stake their reputation on yours. Everything else? That’s just professional hoarding with a LinkedIn filter slapped on to
Zach Zoulias
3 min read


The State of LinkedIn Networking Tools in 2025: Features, Feedback & a New Perspective
f you’ve ever tried to manage your LinkedIn network with spreadsheets, tags, or Chrome extensions, you’re not alone. The demand for tools that organize, automate, or supercharge your network has exploded in recent years.
In this post, we break down four popular LinkedIn-adjacent tools—LeadDelta, Clay, PhantomBuster, and ContactOut / Hunter.io—based on what they do best and what real users are saying.

Stacy Cyr
4 min read


Your Network Is Not Your Net Worth (Yet)
We’re connected to hundreds (sometimes thousands) of people. But when it’s time to ask for something... a warm intro, career advice, honest feedback... how many of them come to mind? Some connections were meaningful once, but time eroded them.
Zach Zoulias
3 min read
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