Achieving Success Through Social Capital: Tapping the Hidden Resources in Your Personal and Business Networks

Why do some people prosper while others struggle? The difference is more than what they know. It′s also who they know. Successful people know how to improve their wealth, health, and happiness by creating rich social capital, tapping the hidden resources in their business, professional, and personal networks. Achieving Success Through Social Capital is your hands–on guide to success through building and using your social capital. You′ll learn why rich social capital produces higher pay, faster promotions, better jobs, breakthrough ideas, new business opportunities, and profitable companies. Rich social capital can even make you luckier. You′ll also learn why good networks are essential for your health and emotional well–being, and for a meaningful life even a longer life. With his 1994 business bestseller Networking Smart, Wayne Baker established himself as a leader in the social capital field. In this new book, he incorporates the latest findings about social capital into an empowering, practical, step–by–step program. He shows you how to move beyond the myth of individualism to the recognition that we are all connected and that connections are the keys to success. He guides you through the process of evaluating the quality of your current networks, improving your networks by applying dozens of proven practices, and using your social capital to invoke the power of reciprocity, helping yourself by contributing to others. Baker has helped thousands of people, companies, and associations discover the power of social capital, take charge of their networks, and create the vibrant networks they need to support their missions and achieve their goals. His books, workshops, and business courses enable people to learn, apply, and benefit from the universal principles of networks. Whether you′re an entrepreneur with a growing business, a corporate executive trying to manage change, or a free agent in transitiondiscover the power of social capital. Learn to value connections, reinvent your networks, and create blockbuster results. This book will show you how.

What is Social Capital, and Why Should You Care About It? Evaluating Social Capital. Building Entrepreneurial Networks. Using Social Capital. Building Social Capital As an Organizational Competence. The Network Organization Blueprint. Conclusion.

WAYNE BAKER is professor of organizational behavior at the University of Michigan Business School. He puts his knowledge into action through his work with HUMAX Corporation, an assessment and training firm specializing in personal and organizational development. In addition to his business bestseller, "Networking Smart," he has published numerous articles on business and social networks. He leads workshops and gives lectures around the world on the power of social capital.Email: wayneb@HUMAXnetworks.com