719: Reid Hoffman | Adaptability Is the New Stability

Networking Tips

Jordan Harbinger shares practical networking exercises from his Six-Minute Networking course. He suggests making a list of ten people to contact if laid off and reaching out to them now, emphasizing the importance of connecting without an agenda. Reid Hoffman agrees, noting that life's a team sport and it's crucial to be active with your network before you need them 1. Harbinger also highlights the importance of maintaining connections through simple social catch-ups, which can lead to unexpected opportunities 2.

Learn to dig the well before you're thirsty, folks. I can't say it enough.

--- Jordan Harbinger

   

Soft Assets

Reid Hoffman emphasizes the value of soft assets like skills, knowledge, and relationships in career growth. He advises combining these with hard assets to create a strong foundation for career flexibility. Harbinger adds that many people stop building connections and learning new skills once they start working, which can lead to stagnation 3. Hoffman shares his own experience of leveraging his network to transition from academia to industry, highlighting the importance of proactive networking 4.

I love that you say go all-in on soft assets because I do think that those are overlooked a lot of the time.

--- Jordan Harbinger

   

Trust and References

Trust and good references are crucial for building a strong professional reputation. Reid Hoffman explains that high-trust relationships often lead to valuable opportunities, citing examples from his own career. He stresses the importance of integrity, work ethic, and the ability to learn quickly 5. Harbinger notes that adaptability is the new stability, and building a reliable network is essential for career resilience in volatile times 6.

Trust of work ethic, trust of integrity, trust of learning curve, trust of the ability to make good judgment.

--- Reid Hoffman