At the ReBar Camp in Chicago, Bill Lublin did a session on Social Capital. That subject has stuck with me for a over a month and I have been mulling around in my little head.
What is Social Capital?
According to Wikipedia:
"Social capital is a social science concept used in business, economics, organizational behaviour, political science, public health and sociology that refers to connections within and between social networks. Though there are a variety of related definitions, which have been described as "something of a cure-all"[1] for the problems of modern society, they tend to share the core idea "that social networks have value. Just as a screwdriver (physical capital) or a college education (human capital) can increase productivity (both individual and collective), so do social contacts affect the productivity of individuals and groups".
Social Capital is basically how we think and interact in different groups. The groups can be IRL (In real life) or our Online Social Networks, like on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and Activerain.
I don't know about you, but I relate somewhat differently on all the social networks. Some people are good friends, some are aquaintances, and some well.....I don't really know them at all.
The point Bill asked the group at ReBar Camp was how do you feel if someone violates in some way the Social Capital of a relationship?
I like to think of it like this, when a new relationship starts you start with a full glasses of good will. As you interact with that person you are either adding to the relationship or taking away from it.
A good experience with a person adds good things in the glass. A bad experience takes away from the relationship. So you are either adding or taking away from the social capital you have invested in that relationship.
Here is an example:
Lets say you accept a friendship with someone on Facebook, and all of a sudden they violate that friendship by spamming you with listing in Timbucktoo?
Now I'm not going to ever live or sell in Timbucktoo, so how does that make you feel?
Now, I don't mind seeing your listings on Activerain or Facebook or you even Tweeting about them, but I don't really need to have email box full of new listings in an area of the country, that I am not going to sell in.
How to Build Social Capital
On Activerain we invest and grow our Social Capital by reciprocity. We comment on others blogs, we encourage them.
You build Social Capital with your neighbors when you mow their lawn, pick up their kids, etc..
You build Social Capital with agents in your area, when you call them back, return messages, and negotiate in a civil manner.
You build Social Capital when you interview and promote a local business through blogging.
Engagement
How many people can you really get to know on social networks? I know sometimes a random comment on Facebook or Twitter can afford you the opportunity to get to know someone. Something you said sparks a comment or two and a friendship can develop.
Social Networks are great for communicating with people all over the world. However, even in the World of Internet Social Networks trust is still critical to engage and get to know folks. I use Linkedin for Professional Information, Twitter for well.......many reasons. Facebook now that it allows up to set up our different groups is more manageable. I like it better.
Building Social Capital is about giving and not just taking.
I have quit just being friends with everyone unless they tell me how they know me on Twitter and Facebook. Last night I was scrolling down and someone put a porn poster on my site, at the bottom. That is not who I am or what I want on my site. He violated my Social Capital and was deleted.
Now go build some Social Capital. Give and it shall be given unto you, pressed down and running over.
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