In this industry, it is vital to make quality connections. With these points of contact, you can grow your business, extend your brand recognition, and provide added value to your client base and network. Sharing your partners and network of service providers can be the differentiator between you and your competition. You may not be the only one who does what you do, but you can separate your offering by being a connector for your network for more than just what benefits your business. Think beyond the tip of your own nose.
Who you know can affect the speed and effectiveness of your brand recognition and growth. The more communities or circles you belong to, the more widespread who you are and what you do will be. In his book, The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell says, “ Connectors are people who link us up with the world. People with a special gift for bringing the world together. The power of Social Media on the Internet is the power of connectors.” Are you a connector? Do you know any people that are connectors? The key is to either be one or know one!
To be successful you will need to know the right people and have a thirst for ongoing knowledge to further your education of your work and the world around you to assist with influencing the way you see where you fit into the mix. Sharing what you know and who you know will not only invigorate your day but prove to be beneficial in your work. Those that know how to connect other people together, and who aren’t afraid to share their partners and resources, likes and dislikes, with their community, are standing out more often than just fitting in. If you want to be remembered when someone needs your goods or services, you should reflect on how often you actually share your connections in the same way.
Success doesn’t happen by accident very often, if ever. It is as a result of consistent and calculated effort. If you include being a good connector as part of that effort, you will see the difference. Gladwell says, “ The point about Connectors is that by having a foot in so many different worlds, they have the effect of bringing them all together.” There is always something good to be gained by being a generous business person. You will be remembered and welcomed into many communities because of it!