Key Concepts:
- Reputation Building
- Dormant Connections
- Network Science
- Re-warming Connections
- Value of Past Connections
- Building Bridges
Reputation Building: Starting Point
The speaker addresses the common question of where to begin when aiming to build a reputation. The initial approach is two-fold.
Re-warming Dormant Connections
The primary point is that individuals likely already possess a network sufficient to advance their goals. The focus should be on re-engaging with "dormant connections" rather than solely seeking new ones. These are people with whom contact has lapsed due to various life changes (relocation, job changes, etc.).
Network Science Perspective
From a network science standpoint, these dormant connections are highly valuable. They haven't vanished; they've simply moved to new environments. Re-establishing contact with them provides a "bridge" to entirely new networks of people.
Example: Re-engagement Strategy
The speaker cautions against immediately asking for favors after a long period of silence. Instead, they suggest acknowledging the lapse in communication and expressing a desire to reconnect genuinely. For example, instead of saying "Hey Vanessa it's been 5 years since we talked can I ask for your help on something?", the speaker suggests saying "I've been really bad about keeping in touch with you over the past and I'd like to change that can we just you know just tell me what's going on in". This approach prioritizes relationship building before any potential requests.
Conclusion
The main takeaway is that building a reputation often starts with leveraging existing, but inactive, connections. Re-warming these relationships, with a focus on genuine reconnection, can unlock access to new networks and opportunities.
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