How To Raise Social Capital: An Experiential Exercise

Abstract

Social capital is a critical aspect for launching a new venture. In the popular press and entrepreneurial education classrooms, “develop your network” is one of the most common pieces of entrepreneurial advice. Developing social capital is a crucial entrepreneurial competence. Three common questions are: What is the idea of a network of relationships as social capital? What are the dimensions of effective networks? How can nascent entrepreneurs develop strategies and abilities for building a valuable network?  At Sierra Nevada College, the Sharon M. Croom Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Teaching Fellows have designed the “Entrepreneur Network Experiential Exercise” to get students into thinking about these social capital resource questions and taking action in developing social networks.