The “Connectors”
Often in business and in life, we need those people who know people or those people “who got a guy”. That is a phrase that always makes me laugh as often it is not a “guy” who ultimately helps you. But you hear it often and it more appropriately is a descriptor.
Recently, I received a phone call from a person chairing a committee and seeking very specific speakers for four (4) events. The person was told to contact me because “I have connections”. Well, said person was not wrong. I was able to secure three (3) speakers out of the four (4) for them. And, I might add, I only knew two (2) of them. And, oddly enough, all three (3) were known to me through my sister, perhaps one of the greatest connectors I know. Sometimes, it is not about who you directly know, but who you know who knows someone. It can be confusing but connections are all about linking to more and more people, not just an immediate colleague or friend.
Often, in my corporate career, I was expected to be in and among the community, creating a high profile and personal brand. Since I am an extrovert, this was not usually a problem for me. In fact, I truly enjoyed setting up connections for clients - to suppliers, to possible customers, to circle of trust advisors, to potential personal growth advisors. It is all about wanting to help people connect. There is a satisfaction in knowing someone’s life has been personally or professionally enriched because you made an introduction. When you think about it, as humans, it really is the least we can do for our friends, family, and colleagues.
So, who are these connectors, how do you find them, and how do you comfortably approach them? Let’s identify them first. Look for higher profile, outgoing, warm and welcoming leaders. They may be known to a friend, a family member, a colleague. Do not be afraid to ask for an introduction once you have identified them. Usually, their behavior style will find them looking to help others connect. It is just a part of their make-up and what motivates them. You can also identify who people may know by searching their Friends or Connections on Facebook and LinkedIn. Also, try searching under just their name on a search engine. Articles or events with photos may show up directing you to people they are likely moving around professionally. And, one of those people, may be your way into an introduction.
Regarding approaching them, it is likely far easier than you could imagine. In my example above, the person who contacted me about the speakers did not know me at all. They did, however, know someone who had recently met me and identified me as someone with a lot of contacts and a goof person to know for help. A simple email of introduction and I was willing to assist. I would highly recommend, if you can acquire their email, sending an email of introduction first. If that does not present you with a response, remember their email may be marking you as junk mail since it likely does not recognize your address. In that case, a good old fashioned phone call approach is warranted. You can certainly use “connectors” to help you build your client or customer base, but a warm introduction to them from another “connector” will be better received than a cold call or email. There should be nothing “uncomfortable” about approaching someone with a warm introduction or a reference to another person they know, assuming, of course, they like and respect that person.
We live among “Connectors”. They are in our workplace, our friendships, our small business retail shops we frequent, our clubs, our religious houses of worship, our children’s sports leagues. Take some time, do your research, use the social media that is available to you, and identify who are “The Connectors” among you. Then, put an action plan in place to reach out to them and seek the help, guidance, and assistance you need or want. Speaking as one, I truly enjoy connecting people. And I consider it a true compliment when I receive the type of communication I mentioned above. Just remember, thank them for their time, for their referral if they can make it for you, and a written card of thanks does go a long way in these electronic times. They will definitely want to assist you again or as needed.
Take this as a challenge, identify at least one “Connector” in your life that can help you grow your business, refer the next great employee for your organization, or simply help you open a door that was not only locked but had no visible means of gaining entry. We all need co-pilots on this road of life to help us enrich our own pathway. Be like Max in our Blog photo today, take your seat confidently, grab that item that means the most to you (in his case, the toy) and buckle up for an exciting ride, filled with people and places you cannot meet or get to on your own.
Be well.
