Become A Star Connector... Join the Dots

The advantage of being a connector in society is unparalleled. In fact, the most powerful and successful individuals pride themselves on exactly this skill. I remember Nandan Nilekani of Infosys once said in a newspaper interview, that all he attributed his success to was 'connecting people and joining the dots'. What he said sounds easy, but requires a lot of hard work.

Who is a connector exactly, you ask? Malcolm Gladwell in his book The Tipping Point, defined a 'connector' as "someone who knows many people."

But a connector doesn't just know many people, and have a wide network, he goes beyond that. He understands how he can connect two people. And he does this purely with the intention to help out, without expecting anything in return.

Wikipedia explains this well, saying that connectors 'usually know people across an array of social, cultural, professional, and economic circles, and make a habit of introducing people who work or live in different circles. They are people who "link us up with the world...people with a special gift for bringing the world together".'

This 'special gift' of a connector stems from a deep-seated belief that his good deeds will eventually pay off - if not in the short term, in the long run. His understanding comes from knowing that everyone is connected to everyone and the more you connect, and join the dots, the sooner will the dots join back to you.

As an entrepreneur and employee, being a connector can help you progress much faster than you had expected. Everyone likes people who are helpful, and willing to share of themselves and their contacts. It reflects self-confidence and generosity.

You may think you are already a connector, but in essence, you may just be a networker... Because there is a marked difference between a 'networker' and 'connector'.

While both networkers and connectors focus on relationships and understand their value in the personal and professional world, they have different intentions...

The networker looks at relationships to advance his own career, while the connector consciously looks at ways to advance the careers of those in his network... In simple terms, one is in it for himself, one is in it for the other.

This may seem like a small difference, but for those who have been in business for some time, this is a big one... It truly reflects your place in society... It shows how far you've come with the network you've built and it also reflects your inherent sense of responsibility toward that network.

When you're willing to connect two people, it essentially means you're willing to put your own relationships at stake. You may have built a good personal rapport with people, but till you don't leverage that for the larger good, that network only serves you.

The other difference seen between networkers and connectors, is that while networkers are more of opportunists and 'social climbers', looking to meet people in higher positions, connectors looks to lift those in lower positions with those in higher positions. A connector helps boost someone's position.

Being a connector requires more than practice, it requires developing an attitude and inculcating a life skill.

How does one develop this mindset and skillset to become a good connector? To learn more, join the Wealth Builders Club, by subscribing today.