Building social currency

Think of social capital like a bank account: you need to invest in it before relying on it.

A great article from ALIZA LICHT in the #hbr speaks to how it's so important to foster, nurture and support your network. She reminds us how important it is for career growth to be visible when technology does sometimes render us invisible through remote working or as a small business. To be considered for - or even in the path of - opportunities you need to ensure that your colleagues, leaders and industry influencers know who you are, what you do and what you stand for. 

Her top tips for building social capital include:
👉 doing what you say you will - be reliable
👉 being gracious: help where you can, make the time for others
👉 communicate with your audience in mind: write or speak in a way that will be appealing and easy for them to connect with

My build on one of her points:
👉 don't be an a** - be kind, helpful, listen, be open to what people need. When someone does something thank them for their efforts.

For the small business owner (like me) or job seeker, investing in social capital goes further in 2 critical areas: keeping us connected to others in the sometimes lonely days and also offering potential for growth. One of the best things I have experienced since leaving the corporate world is the learning opportunity and inspiration that exist from the network that I had not made enough time to focus on in recent years. Thank you LinkedIn connections, you are giving me so much inspiration, support, new ideas and fantastic growth opportunities! 

So please think about who you can help today...because one day they will likely help you. Like that post, connect 2 people you know who would benefit from the introduction, return that message or email. It can make all the difference!

#opportunity #community #linkedin #people #connections#smallbusiness #help #change #womenentrepreneurs