The Art and Science of Networking and Social Capital with @DavidBurkus

Summary

In this insightful video, David explores the power of building deeper connections through networking, focusing on the concept of 'multiplexity.' By moving beyond surface-level work interactions and asking more personal, non-work-related questions, we can foster richer relationships. He compares superhero favorites as a window into personal values and discusses the difference between 'support' and real 'help.' The key takeaway is to invest in your social capital regularly, as relationships built outside of work often provide more meaningful opportunities. The video challenges viewers to think about relationships in a broader, more impactful way.

Takeaways

• 😀 Superheroes can reflect important aspects of personality and values, such as Superman's idealism or Batman's perseverance.
• 😀 Understanding who someone admires as a superhero can give insights into their character, like how Iron Man and Batman represent similar traits in different comic universes.
• 😀 When imagining unlimited resources, one can define their priorities by focusing on a specific cause, like illiteracy or global water crises, helping them make a deeper impact.
• 😀 David suggests leveraging multiplex ties (relationships with multiple contexts) to build deeper, more meaningful connections beyond work or single contexts.
• 😀 Uniplex ties are connections formed in only one context, while multiplex ties involve multiple shared contexts, leading to stronger, more enduring relationships.
• 😀 Breaking the cycle of asking 'What do you do?' at networking events can help foster more genuine relationships based on personal rather than professional context.
• 😀 Asking people about their lives outside of work and their broader interests can reveal shared values and foster richer connections.
• 😀 A helpful exercise is making a list of people with whom you share only one connection, then reaching out to learn about other areas of their life to build a deeper connection.
• 😀 Regularly asking non-work-related questions can lead to stronger, multifaceted relationships, which are more valuable than work-only connections.
• 😀 Consistently investing in networking habits is like growing social capital—over time, your network will provide value when needed, whether for career or personal support.

Q & A

What can we learn about someone by asking their favorite superhero?

Asking someone's favorite superhero reveals much about their values and how they perceive themselves. For example, Superman may indicate idealism, Wonder Woman shows real superpowers, Batman emphasizes grit and determination, and Iron Man suggests resourcefulness and technology.

Why is focusing on a single cause often more impactful than spreading efforts across multiple causes?

Focusing on a single cause allows for deeper, more targeted efforts that can lead to lasting change. When you spread resources and energy across multiple causes, the impact may be diluted, whereas concentrating on one issue enables more meaningful progress and results.

What is the concept of multiplexity in networking?

Multiplexity refers to having multiple contexts in which you connect with someone, such as working together, attending social events, or sharing personal interests. These multiple connections deepen relationships faster compared to having a uniplex tie, where the relationship is based on just one context.

How does multiplexity contribute to stronger relationships?

Multiplexity strengthens relationships because when people share multiple contexts (work, social, community, etc.), the bond becomes deeper and more multifaceted. These diverse interactions allow for a more complete understanding of each other and foster stronger connections.

What is a uniplex tie, and how does it differ from multiplex ties?

A uniplex tie is a connection based on a single context, such as work or a specific event, whereas a multiplex tie involves multiple overlapping contexts. Multiplex ties tend to build stronger and faster relationships because they allow for more diverse and meaningful interactions.

What is the impact of asking non-work-related questions when networking?

Asking non-work-related questions helps people connect on a more personal level. It moves the conversation beyond professional titles and allows individuals to share other aspects of their lives, thereby deepening the relationship and fostering trust and rapport.

How can we turn uniplex ties into multiplex ties in our existing network?

To transform uniplex ties into multiplex ties, make a conscious effort to learn more about people in your network outside of work or professional contexts. Ask about their hobbies, interests, family life, or personal experiences, and reconnect with them on these aspects.

What action step is suggested to build stronger relationships in your network?

The action step is to make a list of 10 people in your network with whom you only share one connection (like work), and then schedule a meeting to discuss other aspects of their life. This helps create new multiplex ties and deepens the overall relationship.

Why is it important to avoid the 'What do you do?' question in networking?

The 'What do you do?' question focuses on a narrow, professional aspect of a person’s life and can limit the depth of the connection. By asking broader, more personal questions, you allow for a richer understanding of the person, which leads to stronger, more meaningful relationships.

What advice is given regarding building social capital in networking?

The advice is to make networking and building social capital a regular habit rather than waiting until a crisis. Just like saving for retirement, investing in your social capital gradually over time ensures that you have strong connections when you need them.