In a recent LinkedIn post, Eric Sim challenges the widely circulated adage that individuals are the average of the five people they spend the most time with. Sim argues that this notion is outdated and that true growth and learning can come from a much broader network, often beyond immediate physical proximity.
He opens by addressing the common practice of seeking out senior leaders or prominent business owners, often for the sake of social media appearances. Sim points out the fallacy in this approach, stating:
“Most super successful people won’t lift a finger for you. They’re being sought after by many. They have a reputation to maintain. They won’t introduce just anyone to their network.”
Sim emphasizes that genuine value can be found in unexpected places and from individuals at various career stages. He shares personal anecdotes to illustrate this point. One such example involves Jeremy Chan, a former intern and then colleague, who significantly helped Sim navigate and master LinkedIn writing in 2015. Despite Chan’s junior position in banking at the time, his guidance was instrumental in Sim’s early success on the platform.
Beyond the ‘Big Five’: Expanding Your Influence Network
The author contends that the traditional limit of five influential people is no longer relevant in today’s interconnected world. Sim suggests that the number of people who can positively impact our lives is far greater, potentially numbering in the hundreds, and that these influences don’t always require extensive face-to-face interaction.
As Eric Sim notes, the key lies in actively seeking connections with individuals who possess complementary skills, come from diverse age groups, and hail from different industries. He advocates for a reciprocal approach to networking.
“If you’re in your 30s, 40s, or 50s, connect with young people and help them. They can add tremendous value to your life.”
Conversely, Sim encourages younger professionals to overcome any hesitation in reaching out to more seasoned individuals.
The Value of Cross-Generational and Cross-Industry Connections
Sim highlights that even those early in their careers have valuable insights and perspectives to offer experienced professionals. He recounts how Calvin Wee, a student, connected him with a university career services representative, which subsequently led to a significant increase in his university teaching engagements. This experience underscores Sim’s belief in the potential for mutual benefit across different levels of professional experience.
“With social media, we know far more people than our previous generations. If I were to put a number on the people who have influenced me, I’d say 100.”
Ultimately, Eric Sim’s message is a call to broaden our definition of influence and to actively cultivate a diverse network. He suggests that platforms like LinkedIn are ideal environments for forging these valuable, multifaceted connections that can drive personal and professional growth, moving beyond the restrictive confines of the ‘average of five’ theory.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Eric Sim on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on January 28, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →