Building Social Capital
Lesson 01: The People Around You Are Your Greatest Asset.
A few years ago, I completed my first paid solo project—building a customized Project & Knowledge Management System for a company led by a former colleague who had also been a mentor. I vividly remember our initial conversation. I told him, “I have an idea I’d like to share with you, hopefully a solution that can benefit you,” during a casual career discussion. At the time, I had been testing my tech skills, building no-code systems using tools like Notion and Tally.
Months went by, and I didn’t follow up on that idea. Doubts crept in—would he even be interested? Was the idea viable? Then, out of the blue, I ran into him, and he asked about the concept I’d mentioned. His inquiry reignited my confidence. That very day, we set the date for me to pitch the idea. To my surprise, after the presentation, he offered to pay more than I had asked for.
That one conversation opened a door I hadn’t even considered. It wasn’t just my skills or experience that made the difference; it was the relationship I had nurtured years before.
That experience taught me a lesson I carry to this day: Social capital is one of the most valuable investments you can make. The people we connect with—mentors, friends, colleagues—hold keys to opportunities, perspectives, and support systems we can’t access alone.
Social capital isn’t about knowing the most people or having a transactional mindset. It’s about building genuine, meaningful relationships where trust and mutual benefit grow over time. These connections don’t just help in professional settings; they enrich every area of life.
I’ve learned that taking time to check in with old friends, offering help without expecting anything in return, and showing genuine interest in others builds bridges that stand the test of time. The conversations and connections that seemed casual at first often prove invaluable later.
If you want to build social capital, start small. Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Ask a colleague how you can support them on a project. Attend events where you can meet people with shared interests. Most importantly, show up authentically—people value sincerity over status.
Another tip? Don’t wait until you need something to build your network. Relationships grow best when they’re nurtured consistently, not when they’re approached out of necessity.
As I look back on the milestones in my life, I see that they’re not just marked by my actions but by the people who believed in me, guided me, and walked alongside me. Building social capital isn’t just about getting ahead; it’s about enriching your life with the connections that matter.
So,
Who will you reconnect with today?