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by Robin Sharma
Decoding the Patterns of Human Connection
Social Chemistry by Marissa King explores how our social networks shape our behavior, emotions, and identity. King provides insights and tools to build stronger relationships and create a more positive social ecosystem.
You, like most people, probably hate networking. The word might conjure corporate networking events where participants look over their conversation partners’ shoulders in search of someone more important to talk to. Or conferences where you come away with a stack of business cards and only a faint recollection of the people who own the cards.
But think for a minute about the role relationships play in your life. A network of relationships can bring comfort, joy, intimacy, new perspectives, new experiences and so much more. When you really think about it, it’s surprising we don’t pour more time into our networks.
The key message is: Networking isn’t a chore if you know how to do it well.
Slick corporate networking misses the point. It’s founded on the misplaced belief that simply knowing more people brings benefits. More social status, job offers, financial gain, and insider intelligence.
But authentic networking isn’t about treating people as assets and relationships as commodities, it’s about finding common ground, facilitating new relationships, and maintaining old ones. A good networker focuses not only on what she can give people but also on what she can get from them.
So, how can you become a good networker? First, learn your networking style. You probably conform to one of three main types: expansionist, broker, or convenor.
An expansionist is a hit at every conference and cocktail hour. Why? This networker is at ease with approaching strangers and exceptionally talented at forging spontaneous ties. If you’re an expansionist, you probably have an address book full of contacts. But while you know all your connections, your connections are less likely to know each other.
A broker tends to have a diverse network of people with different interests and expertise. Brokers are naturals at bringing these varied people together by, for example, introducing their archeologist friend to that cyber-security expert they know. The connections the broker facilitates often result in innovation and collaboration. If you’re a broker, most of your contacts are, like you, creative and open-minded.
A convenor’s network is closely interconnected. Not only are all the convenor’s key contacts valued and intimate friends, but the convenor has worked at fostering deeper relationships between those contacts. As a result, the convenor’s friends are very likely to know and move in the same circles as each other. If you’re a convenor, you’re probably trusted and valued within your network, thanks to the quality of the relationships you’ve forged there.
No one style of networking is better than the other. But learning which style is yours can help you become a better networker.
Social Chemistry (2020) is a fresh research-based approach to something that many professionals regard as a necessary evil: networking. The author demystifies how we network and explains the different networking modes available to us. The result is a convincing argument for the transformative power of good networking.
Social Chemistry (2020) by Marissa King explores the power of social networks and how they shape our lives. Here's why this book is worth reading:
In combination, brokers, expansionists, and convenors make the world small.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trialBlink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
What is the main message of Social Chemistry?
In Social Chemistry, Marissa King explores the power of social networks and how they impact our personal and professional lives.
How long does it take to read Social Chemistry?
The reading time for Social Chemistry varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Social Chemistry a good book? Is it worth reading?
Social Chemistry is worth reading for its insightful exploration of social networks and their influence on our lives.
Who is the author of Social Chemistry?
The author of Social Chemistry is Marissa King.