It’s probably useful for me to start by describing what I mean by social capital...

Social Capital (Pierre Bourdieu 1983):

"the aggregate of the actual or potential resources which are linked to possession of a durable network of more or less institutionalized relationships of mutual acquaintance and recognition"

Social Capital includes:

• connections

• reputation

• influence

• access to ideas and talent through your connections

• access to resources through your connections

• “potential” access to further resources (more distant, but very legitimate)

• saved up favors (reciprocity is huge - which is why doing good stuff matter a lot with social capital)

• accomplishments (slightly different from reputation, it is the more fungible form of SC - resumes, awards, etc.)

There are 2 ‘types’ of Social Capital

bonding capital

bonding capital - “strong ties” or the depth of your close

connections (how close and how much you could ask of your connections). Bridging capital leads to security.

bridging capital

bridging capital - “weak ties” or the number of

connections you have across to different industries, social strata, etc. Bridging capital leads to wider, more diverse networks.

Self test on bridging vs. bonding capital:

When you go to a party, do you spend more time with people you already know or do you make an effort to meet as many new people as possible?

Women are, generally, better at bonding capital, whereas men are, generally, better at bridging capital.

we, more often, use it to keep in touch with friends and family

we are more concerned

about personal security

even in our business lives, we go under alternative identities

how women use social media:

how men use social media:

they, more often, use it to entertain and

gain an audience

they are way more likely to be open with their profiles

and info

they are way more likely to mentor and support one

another

this is an issue because...

bonding capital

= security

bridging capital

= growth

we need to be more aware of building our bridging capital in order to build our careers, especially in technology...

how?

...let me introduce you to some amazing women who are really awesome at building bridging capital

Arianna Huffington

Joan Blades Tara Hunt

http://www.slideshare.net/missrogue

Tara Hunttara@citizenagency.com

415.694.1951skype: tarahunt747

www.citizenagency.comwww.horsepigcow.com