We all know them. The people who seem to know everyone and effortlessly make connections within their network. While it’s wonderful to know a ‘connector’, we can also develop those qualities and become a connector ourselves.
Being a 'connector' and networking can have a positive impact on our lives. Connectors are people who seem to know everyone and can easily make connections within their network. While it's great to have a connector in our lives, we can develop those qualities in ourselves and become connectors too.
The term "connector" was created by Maxwell Gladwell from his book "The Tipping Point". Connectors are like a hub in a computer network. They link us up with the world and have a special gift for bringing people together.
They tend to have an extensive network with over 100 acquainted people across different social, professional, and economic circles. They actively introduce people from different circles, making them valuable connectors. The idea that a few influential people make the world go around is not new.
In the 1960s, psychologist Stanley Milgram conducted "the small world" experiment. He sent letters to 160 people in Nebraska with the details of a Boston stockbroker, instructing them to send the letter to someone who could get it one step closer to the stockbroker. Most of the letters reached the stockbroker in just 6 steps, proving the 6 degrees of separation theory. Interestingly, only 3 well-connected people were responsible for half of the letters being delivered. These 3 people were considered connectors.
Why is connection important?
The saying goes “no man is an island” and that’s never been truer. We live in a world that is growing ever more connected and isolation can be crippling. Our mental well-being and our physical health both benefit from being socially connected with others, while it can also help us navigate to success in our endeavours and unlock our true potential.
Just think about the last time you achieved a significant goal – whether it’s a personal achievement or a business milestone and it’s likely that at some point you drew upon the help of someone else or others.
Ways to foster connections and benefit from them
So, for those of us who are not made to be so socially inclined – what can we learn from those among us who forge strong connections and are responsible for the spread of ideas and making things happen and how can this help us in our careers, businesses and in our personal lives? Here are some tips that will help you to help others as well as make the most of any opportunities that come your way.
Networking is quite distinct to connecting
Networking is often seen as a way to achieve a specific goal, whereas connecting is more selfless and motivated by a sincere desire to engage with others and help them. When interacting with others, don't focus solely on what you can gain or even what could be mutually beneficial. Instead, be the central point of contact and actively search for opportunities to connect people with each other.
Foster quality connections over quantity
It’s easier to foster many connections, particularly via social media, but be conscious of the quality of those connections. To be able to purposefully connect with others in a way that offers real value, you need to engage with people. That takes time and genuine curiosity: ask questions, find out what makes them tick and then you can meaningfully assist them.
Being open to different things
One of the reasons connectors are so successful is they have contacts in diverse areas within many different communities, often through hobbies and interests. If you’d like to expand your network and horizons the first step might be to follow where your interests lead and explore your passions.
Get out of your comfort zone
To be a connector or get the benefit from connections you may have to move out of your comfort zone. That might mean putting yourself in a new environment, being willing to break the ice in a social situation or reaching out when you don’t know what the response may be – and risk rejection or embarrassment.
Connectors are not all extroverts and they come from all walks of life. You don’t have to be anyone other than yourself and in fact, being authentic in your interactions will stand you in good stead.
What steps are you going to take today to increase your connectivity and benefit from the connectors you know? Speak with your local Nexia Adviser today to help you connect with your true potential.
