Dig the Well Before You're Thirsty
Nurture your network when you need nothing, so it's there when you do.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time to result
- ~months to results
- Steps
- 3
- Confidence
- 82%
From her mentor Jordan Harbinger, Taha teaches digging the well before you're thirsty: nurture your network continually when you don't need anything, so it's there when you do. Your network is your greatest insurance for a new job or help, but you can't reach out only when you need something, which reads as transactional. Harbinger provides value by making double opt-in introductions, connecting contacts by spotting their needs. The companion tactic is the Daily Connect 4 method: in idle time, message four people from the bottom of your texts or DMs with a simple hey it's been a while, what's the latest, kickstarting conversations that lead to organic opportunities to be of service.
Origin
Taha learned this from her mentor and best friend Jordan Harbinger, who runs a constant background program of matching people's needs and reconnecting with contacts in his idle time.
Core principles
- 01Your network is your greatest insurance if your company or job disappears.
- 02Reaching out only when you need something is transactional and repels help.
- 03Continually providing value keeps relationships warm before you need them.
- 04People help those they've heard from recently and consistently.
How to run it
- 1
Map your dormant contacts
Write down your most important dormant contacts from school, past jobs, and life, and gather their contact info.
- 2
Reach out with no ask
Contact people on a cadence (e.g. every three months) when you need nothing, giving value like a helpful article or an introduction.
Pro tip Use double opt-in intros: ask both sides before connecting them.
Watch out Asking for a big favor after years of silence reads as using people.
- 3
Run the Daily Connect 4
In idle moments, message four people from the bottom of your texts or DMs with a simple check-in to restart conversations.
Pro tip A message like 'it's been a while, what's the latest with you?' invites an easy reply.
In the wild
When someone tells Harbinger they wish they could figure out LinkedIn, he emails Hala to ask if she wants a double opt-in intro, then connects them.
→ He continually provides value to his network, so people are eager to help him in return.
Common mistakes
Only reaching out when you need something
Cold-asking a contact you haven't spoken to in years for a job feels transactional and usually gets refused.
Introducing people without consent
Putting two contacts on a thread without a double opt-in can embarrass both, especially someone prominent.
Is it for you?
Best for
Entrepreneurs and professionals building durable social capital and referral networks.
Not ideal for
Those seeking one-time transactional favors rather than long-term relationships.
From the transcript
“you've got to continually nourish and nurture your relationships before you actually need them”
“he basic gets four people from the bottom of his text messages his social media DMS or email every day to reconnect”
From the episode
Hala Taha: Skyrocket Your Sales with My Proven Webinar Blueprint
Hala Taha