David Burkus on the Science of Networking

David Burkus is the author of several books including Friend of a Friend: Understanding the Hidden Networks That Can Transform Your Life and Your Career. Friend of a Friend offers readers a new perspective on how to grow their networks and build key connections—one based on the science of human behavior, not rote networking advice. He is also the author of Under New Management and The Myths of Creativity. David is a regular contributor to Harvard Business Review and his work has been featured in Fast Company, the Financial Times, Inc magazine, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, and CBS This Morning. David’s innovative views on leadership have earned him invitations to speak to leaders from a variety of organizations. He’s delivered keynote speeches and workshops for Fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Stryker and governmental and military leaders at the U.S. Naval Academy and Naval Postgraduate School. His TED talk has been viewed over 1.8 million times. When he’s not speaking or writing, David is in the classroom. He is associate professor of leadership and innovation at Oral Roberts University where he was recently named one of the nation’s “Top 40 Under 40 Professors Who Inspire.” Show Notes David’s big idea for writing Friend of a Friend and why he chose to explain how networks actually work. Why you can’t actually grow your network. Multiplexity – what it is and how it’s a context for connection. Homophily – what it means and why it’s so valuable to pay attention to if you want to strengthen your network. Networking insights from Ben and Jerry of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream Why asking “What do you do?” is not a great way to start a conversation with someone you’ve met for the first time and something that may be better to ask. What the majority illusion is and how Tim Ferriss used it to build his personal brand.