One of the most reliable ways to increase serendipity is to broaden the number of people you interact with. Not only close friends or longtime colleagues, but also the people who sit on the edges of your life. Sociologist Mark Granovetter referred to these light connections as “weak ties,” and they often provide more surprising opportunities than the strong ties we depend on every day.

Understanding why helps reveal how serendipity actually works.

Weak ties unlock new information

Close friends and family often move in similar circles and share the same knowledge. Weak ties connect you to different networks. They bring ideas, updates, and perspectives that rarely surface inside your immediate circle. Serendipity often begins with a small piece of unexpected information. It might be a job tip, a new insight, or a brief introduction that would not have reached you through your closest relationships.

Chance encounters multiply through weak ties

Serendipity thrives in small, unpredictable moments. A short chat at a coffee shop, a message from a former coworker, or a quick exchange with a neighbor can open the door to something new. These casual connections create space for suggestions and conversations that can shift your path in ways you did not anticipate.

Weak ties foster openness

Interactions with weak ties tend to feel lighter than those with close friends. There is less pressure and less attachment to your current identity. Both sides feel more comfortable exploring new ideas or mentioning opportunities. This sense of openness helps create the conditions where serendipity can take root.

Weak ties help ideas travel

Insights and opportunities often get trapped inside tight social circles. Weak ties act as bridges that allow information to move from one group to another. Many breakthroughs happen because someone hears about the right idea at the right time, usually through the broad web of these indirect connections.

The takeaway

Serendipity is not simply luck. It grows from the structure of your social world. The more weak ties you cultivate, the more diverse your incoming ideas become. This increases the number of surprising moments that can create value. It also raises the odds that someone in your wider network will think of you when a new opportunity appears.