Building Social Wealth: Why It's More Important Than Ever

We have never been more connected and more lonely.

Unfortunately, isolation has become a social norm. 

1 in 10 people report “extreme loneliness,” meaning if something bad happened, they don’t feel like they have anyone to call.

I know. It sucks. And it highlights just how crucial it is to build and nurture what I call social wealth.

Social wealth is one of the four types of wealth (4TOW) and it's right up there with financial, time, and health.

And this isn't just about the whole "your network is your net worth" type of thing.

It’s about more than just having a large professional network, though that is part of it.

It’s about creating meaningful relationships that bring value to your life, both personally and professionally.

Here’s why social wealth is so important and how you can start building it intentionally.

What Is Social Wealth?

Social wealth is the value you gain from relationships.

It’s the network of people who support, challenge, and connect with you in meaningful ways.

But its equally about how YOU support, challenge and connect with them.

This isn’t just about how many friends you have on social media. It’s about real-life connections—people you can rely on, talk to, and grow with.

Social wealth has two parts:

• Personal Social Wealth: The friends, family, and loved ones who provide emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging.

• Professional Social Wealth: Your network of colleagues, mentors, and industry peers who can help you grow in your career, open doors to opportunities, and provide professional guidance.

Both are important, and both require effort to grow and maintain.

The Problem with Loneliness

Loneliness can take a real toll on both mental and physical health.

When we feel isolated, it impacts our ability to function and thrive.

You know its true when common sense and science agree but according to research, people who report high levels of loneliness are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and even physical illnesses.

And while technology can help us stay connected, we all know its not the same as sitting in the same room as someone and sharing air together.

This is why building social wealth is essential.

Without a network of people who care about us and who we care about, it’s easy to feel lost, especially during tough times.

And if you’ve ever felt like there’s no one to turn to, you’re not alone.

But the good news is, you can change that.

How to Build Social Wealth Intentionally

Building social wealth isn’t something that happens by accident. It requires effort and intention.

The good news? There are tried and true methods for doing it.

Dale Carnegie’s classic book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, is full of timeless advice on this subject.

One of his core principles is this:

“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get people interested in you.”

This is key.

Building social wealth starts with being genuinely interested in others.

Here are some practical ways to do it:

• Listen More, Talk Less: People love talking about themselves. When you take the time to listen to what they have to say, it creates a connection. Ask questions, show interest, and be curious about their lives.

• Be Present: In our distracted world, giving someone your full attention is a rare gift. Whether in person or online, be present in the conversation. Put the phone down, make eye contact, and show you care.

• Follow Up: Building relationships takes time. After meeting someone new, follow up. A quick text, email, or phone call can go a long way in showing that you value the relationship.

• Help Others: Offer your support when you can. Whether it’s personal advice or professional guidance, being generous with your time and knowledge builds strong, lasting connections.

• Join Communities: To build your social wealth, you need to put yourself in situations where you can meet new people. Whether it’s through joining a local group, attending professional networking events, or even signing up for a hobby class, get out there and connect.

Growing Both Personal and Professional Social Wealth

It’s important to recognize that social wealth isn’t just about making friends to hang out with on weekends.

You need to grow both your personal and professional networks.

• Personal Social Wealth: This is about deepening your existing relationships and forming new ones. Make time for friends and family, check in on them, and nurture those connections. It’s about quality over quantity. A small circle of genuine relationships is worth far more than hundreds of shallow ones.

• Professional Social Wealth: Building a strong professional network can be the difference between feeling stuck in your career and finding new opportunities. Don’t just network when you need something—make it a habit to connect with people regularly, offer help, and stay in touch. Attend industry events, reach out to colleagues, and use platforms like LinkedIn to stay connected.

So don't be a small town girl, living in a lonely world (had to throw Journey in here somehow).

In a world that often feels lonely and disconnected, building social wealth is more important than ever.

It requires intentionality, but the rewards are immense. 

Remember, social wealth is incredibly underrated compared to the other types of wealth.

And if you invest in it, it will pay dividends for years to come.

Besides, what good is money, free time and being in good health if you don't have anyone to share it with?