A Practical Guide to Social Networks

This article was taken from the Harvard Business Review and gave an overview of the three different types of social networks, along with real examples and insights. Specifically, the article outlined the three most common types of networking; Customized Response, Modular Response, and Routine Response.

I I found this article to be very informative and useful. The main point I gathered is that although networking is vital in business, one must be careful not to abuse it. Sometimes time and money can be wasted by trying too hard. Networking should be in line with the company's goals, and should be implemented with a purpose. t seems too many companies today are implementing networking technologies that do not improve productivity or the creation of ideas.

I liked how the article pointed out that often informal relationships and networks often lead to new and creative ideas. Overall, the main point I will remember is that companies should establish and maintain social networks that fit their goals.

Six Degrees of Lois Weisburg

At first, I really liked this article. It gives real-life examples of how one can be connected with so many people, and seemingly rule the world. However, this article became repetitive to me. Aside from the repetitiveness, the article did get its point across. I found it pretty amazing how one meeting, or completely random event that occurred by chance can completely change everything.

What I actually found most intriguing was the mention of how "six degrees of separation" came about. Although it is a good start, I don't believe that Milgram's study is conclusive. What it does show however, is that often a select few provide the links to many, as occurred in the stock broker example. In society, it seems that there will always be a hierarchy of contact. As explained in the article,

"It means that a very small number of people are linked to everyone else in a few steps, and the rest of us are linked to the world through those few."