How To Hack Networking | David Burkus | TEDxUniversityofNevada

Summary

In this engaging talk, the speaker explores the art of networking, challenging the conventional approach of meeting strangers at events. Instead, they advocate for leveraging existing social ties, such as reconnecting with old friends and utilizing friends of friends to expand one's network. The speaker shares anecdotes and research findings that highlight the power of social capital in professional advancement and personal happiness, ultimately urging a redefinition of networking to focus on the quality of connections rather than the quantity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Networking is crucial for career advancement and overall career satisfaction, as demonstrated by a study showing executives who understand 'social capital' are more likely to get promoted and receive raises.
• 😅 The conventional approach to networking can make people feel awkward or sleazy, as it often involves pushing business cards and forced interactions.
• 🔄 Redefining networking to focus on understanding and leveraging existing connections can make the process less awkward and more effective.
• 👥 The value of networking isn't just in meeting new people but also in reconnecting with old friends and acquaintances, known as 'weak ties' or 'dormant ties', who can provide new opportunities.
• 💼 When meeting new people, going through friends of friends can be more effective and less awkward than cold introductions, leveraging the 'six degrees of separation' concept.
• 📈 Companies with employees rich in social capital perform significantly better than their competitors, highlighting the impact of networking on organizational success.
• 🎓 The story of Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta illustrates how reconnecting with old acquaintances can lead to significant business opportunities and success.
• 🤝 Building rapport with old friends can be easier than with strangers, making them a valuable resource for new information and opportunities.
• 🌐 Research suggests that asking about hobbies and passions rather than professional roles when meeting new people can lead to deeper and more meaningful connections.
• 🌟 Your network has a profound impact on your life, including your health, happiness, and even weight, as shown by the studies of Nicholas Christakis and James Fowler.

Q & A

What is the significance of networking in one's career and life?

Networking is hugely important to our careers and lives. Executives who recognize the value of social capital are more likely to get promotions and raises, and companies with employees rich in social capital outperform their competitors.

Why do people often feel awkward about networking?

People feel awkward about networking because it can feel like pushing business cards on strangers or standing in a corner at an event trying to figure out how to leave unnoticed. Studies show that reaching out for new professional connections can subconsciously make people feel 'dirty'.

How can one redefine networking to avoid feeling awkward?

Networking can be redefined by focusing on understanding the network already around you and acting accordingly. It's not about meeting strangers but about leveraging existing connections and dormant ties, such as old friends.

What are 'weak ties' or 'dormant ties' in the context of networking?

'Weak ties' or 'dormant ties' refer to friends you used to be close with but don't talk to as much anymore. These ties can provide new information and opportunities because they are in different social circles, industries, or geographies.

Can you provide an example of how dormant ties can lead to significant opportunities?

Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta, former owners of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, reconnected at a high school wedding after years. They discovered a shared interest in prize fighting, which eventually led to their partnership in buying and transforming the UFC into a successful enterprise.

How can one effectively reach out to old friends to strengthen their network?

One can make a list of four or five people they haven't talked to in a while and reach out to them without an agenda, just to see where the conversation goes. This can help rekindle relationships and unlock potential opportunities.

What is the 'six degrees of separation' concept, and how can it be applied to networking?

The 'six degrees of separation' concept suggests that almost everyone in the world is connected by five or six introductions. When meeting new connections, it's best to go through friends of friends, which can significantly expand one's network.

How did Michelle Mckenna-Doyle use her network to become the highest level female executive in the NFL?

Michelle Mckenna-Doyle leveraged her network by reaching out to a dormant tie, an old colleague, who then introduced her to the executive search firm handling the NFL's CIO position. This led to her interviewing and eventually getting the job.

What alternative approach to networking is suggested when meeting new people?

Instead of asking 'So, what do you do?' when meeting new people, it's suggested to ask about hobbies and passions to find shared non-work interests. This can lead to deeper and faster relationships.

How do our networks affect our personal lives, according to the research by Christakis and Fowler?

According to Christakis and Fowler's research, our friends, their friends, and even their friends' friends can significantly influence our behaviors and happiness. For example, having obese friends increases the likelihood of being obese, and having happy friends increases our happiness.

What is the deeper reason for taking a scientific approach to networking?

Taking a scientific approach to networking is important because our network has a significant effect on our personal lives, including our health, happiness, and potentially our career success. It's about understanding who's a friend and who's a friend of a friend to maximize these positive influences.