Notes based on my reading of this HBR article by Brian Uzzi and Shannon Dunlap.

  • Correlation between strong networks and success. For e.g., Bill Gates got introduced to an IBM executive through his mother - which led to Microsoft getting the DOS contract.

  • Study by sociologist Randall Collins of the University of Pennsylvania showed that breakthroughs were consequence of a particular type of personal network with very few exceptions.

  • Advantages
    • Private Information. Provides information arbitrage but reliability may be an issue.
    • Diverse set of skills. Increases diversity and exposure to ideas that’ll help with creativity.
    • Power. Traditional executive power moved from hierarchy to information brokers. I don’t understand this point.
  • Advantages might work against each other. Diagnose network. Does your network fall in either catergory?
    • Self-similarity principle. People who are similar to you.
    • Proximity principle. People who you spend most time with.

  • Create your network based on SHARED ACTIVITIES. For e.g., non-profits, running group.

  • Cultivate powerful brokers who aren’t in position of formal authority.