Crystal's Notes 17 Aug

Your most important asset is your social capital, and I cannot over-emphasise how crucial it is for you to constantly expand and maintain it.

Non-Transactional Relationship Building

To build social capital, you will have to network. In my first 100 days as a senior leader in my last company, I did not have lunch on my own at my desk at all. I made a list of people in the company I wanted to know and reached out to them with a, “Hey, I’m new. Let’s have lunch!” email. These interactions will give you an invaluable source of information and support, and help you to plug into the information flow — who is hiring, who is in trouble, who has a bad rep, etc.

Work At The Office

If you are a fresh graduate starting work, and you have no social capital or business network, working from the office at least half the time will be better for you and your career. You will get to build relationships faster and get to know people through random happenstance encounters, and you’d also get to learn faster from watching others. You’d pick up unspoken rules and insider tips of the culture as well. You’d also be less likely to misunderstand instructions and tone as you can read body language and facial expressions. 

Next Steps

1. Build an excel database of your social network that comprises of friends, family, clients, vendors, internal stakeholders, people you follow online, and super-connectors.

2. See which relationships should deepen, and where the gaps are. If you need a boost to find your voice, identity and confidence, Deep Human Confidence is the perfect entry point.

3. Learn to throw a party. Parties don’t always have to involve strobe lights and drinks — it could be an informal team bonding event to let off steam, a hangout at home, or an online workshop for your LinkedIn contacts!

4. Have a signature style. When you’re not in the room, what words do you want people to associate you with? Pick 3 and shape your branding towards it.

5. Keep connecting people with other people in your network. It earns you positive karma, and reminds people that you are a super-connector!

6. Ask people to introduce you to people they know. An introduction is so much more powerful than a cold call. For example, ask questions like, “I’m thinking of expanding my business to Sydney, do you know anyone who has experience in this?”

7. Expand your idea of what it means to network. Every single human interaction is networking. You don’t need to be at a networking event to network! Start with a mindset of curiosity and be of service to others.

Join A Community

Know what you’re passionate about and join communities that will not only build your competence, but your social capital as well. There are lots of mentoring groups, social media forums, and special interest groups out there. Join them to grow, learn, and earn.

If you’re looking for a journey of transformation, mentoring, community and growth, then join us at the club here!

Much love,

Crystal