Life is Random - Sort of

Life moves at such a fast pace that it can, at times, seem as if we don’t have control of what’s happening to us. Many systems in life, such as the weather, are random—and are ruled by this concept called chaos theory. While they move in somewhat predictable patterns, it’s fundamentally impossible to know exactly how they will behave in any given situation. They’re so sensitive that even the slightest change in conditions can drastically alter their course (think: the butterfly effect). 

In the best seller, Super Thinking: The Big Book of Mental Models, Gabriel Weinberg and Lauren McCann expound on this concept one step further, relating chaos theory and the concept of “luck surface area.” Luck surface area, a term coined by entrepreneur Jason Roberts, maintains that the more you do and the more people you tell about it, the higher your chances of success are. This specifically applies in chaotic systems, when the smallest, seemingly insignificant meeting can have the most serendipitous outcomes.

The Power to Bend Time

In the startup and professional worlds, I’d boil down luck surface area to this definition: the collective “audience” to whom you expose your idea or goal, plus serendipity. The broader that audience is—and the more you strategically communicate your objective—the more you set yourself up for success and allow serendipity to run its course. 

The more “lucky strikes” you can set yourself up for, the more you can bend time by collaborating with others on time, resources and connections. There may be multiple solutions to the problem you’re facing, they’re just not visible to you yet. By expanding your network, you increase your chances of finding these solutions and, therefore, achieving success.

By this measure, I’m actually expanding my own luck surface area by writing this article. I may not know now what outcomes will come of it, but I am confident that it will lead to future connections and collaboration. 

Take Control of Your Narrative

The trick to expanding your own luck surface area is that you have to be strategic. Signing up for every relationship-building event you come across or shouting your idea from the rooftops won’t likely get you anywhere. Use these tips to be intentional about growing your network.

1. Organize salon-style dinners.

Dinner parties are a more strategic twist on classic networking events. When you invite diverse personalities to debate and brainstorm, connections form naturally.  

This type of dinner is how I met Blair Silverberg, with whom I’m currently building a business. In 2015, a mutual friend asked me to attend a small dinner party he was hosting, and I obliged. Blair and I hit it off, and we both found it advantageous to keep in contact over the years. Today, as serendipity would have it, Blair is now my co-founder, and together, we are building a new kind of company together.  

2. Commit only to relationship-building events that pass the social proof test.

Everyone’s definition of social proof varies, but it all comes down to asking yourself, “Is this engagement a strategic choice for me, based on my goals?” 

In the example above, I wanted to make sure the dinner party had sufficient RoT (RoT = Return on Time, a phrase I coined which helps me prioritize my schedule) before I committed to attending. Here is how my calculation went: “Source of referral is credible. Venue is sufficiently sophisticated and guest list is high profile (all, credible, smart investors).” 

3. Treat every interaction as an opportunity.

You never know whom will cross your path, so it’s important to view every touch point as an opportunity to build a relationship. I don’t mean that in a calculated way, just that it’s important to be open and friendly in your day-to-day life—and don’t be afraid to share what you do. You never know where opportunity will present itself. 

In 2017, I was at an auto dealership when a salesperson asked about my line of work. I explained that I invest in tech companies, and he told me about his best friend’s business. I did a bit of homework and found the company quite intriguing, so I reached out via LinkedIn to the CEO, Raj. That connection resulted in me becoming an advisor to AI company, Go Moment, which is backed by Google (Assistant) and actively exploring collaborations with the Alexa team at Amazon. Their product, Ivy, will reach 40 million users in 2019 and is used by leading hotels in Las Vegas and all over the U.S.

Optimizing your chances of success comes down to acting as a host in life, not as a guest. If you wait for opportunities to come to you, they may not. But if you’re in the right places talking to the right people as much as possible, you’ll be surprised at how serendipitous those meetings can become. 

How have you strategically expanded your luck surface area in your own life, or how do you plan to in the future? I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback in the comments below.