Make cross-cluster introductions

Introduce two people from different clusters who genuinely benefit from meeting.

Why it works

Becoming a bridge yourself — rather than just exploiting bridges others hold — compounds social capital bidirectionally. Each successful introduction builds trust with both parties, signals that you are a connector worth knowing, and creates obligation norms that tend toward reciprocity.

How to do it

1. Keep a mental model of each person’s goals and expertise.
2. When you meet someone new, ask yourself who in a different cluster they should know.
3. Send a double-opt-in email: brief bios and a clear reason for the introduction before connecting them.
4. Follow up briefly to learn if the connection was useful — this closes the loop and deepens both ties.

Evidence

Connector roles in networks correlate with higher social capital and influence, consistent with structural-holes theory. The reciprocity norm supports the expectation of goodwill in return. (mechanistic)

Evidence is correlational; high connectors may have other traits that explain both their network position and their outcomes.

Sources

• Burt (2004), "Structural Holes and Good Ideas," American Journal of Sociology

Common mistake

Making introductions without checking both parties’ interest first, which creates awkward obligations and damages your reputation as a thoughtful connector.