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The unfortunate answer to that question is no. The reason is simple; just because we have access to social resources, doesn't mean that we will be able to leverage them. Access is about being linked to a group of individuals who posses social resources. Social media is great example of it. If you're on twitter, facebook or linkedin, you have access to a vast number of social resources, but does it mean that the we will be able to leverage the social resources that exist there? Unfortunately not all of us will be able to do so?

So just because you tell someone to connect with so and so (essentially giving them access) does not mean that they will be able to get help. There may not be any help or the individual maybe unable to convert an opportunity into a solution for accomplishing their goal. Essentially, just because we have access, does not mean we can leverage the potential that exists within these networks.

For the first time in history we have access to social resources then we never had before thanks in part to technology. However, just because we have this increased access to resources, does not mean that all of us will be able to tap into the vast potential. There is good news though! We can become more effective at leveraging the resources that we have access to. The first step is being aware that there is potential in our networks and that the best way to leverage them is to be clear on what we want to accomplish. By doing this we will start to see the 'trees' not just the 'forest'. The second step, is to understand what we have to offer the network in return and finally, just do it.

Step back, examine what you hope to accomplish and think about the social resources you have access to and how they can help you accomplish your goals. Additionally, if you're using a social media website, do not only think about what you can take from the network but what you can give as well. The key is to be clear on what you hope to accomplish and how your network can help. This is the starting point for successfully 'utilizing' the social resources in our lives. If we don't do this, most of us will not reap the benefits of the access we are experiencing today.

JP