What it Means to Be a Connector
If I asked you what your favorite part of your business is, what would you say? Someone mentioned to me the other day that I’m best described as a ‘Connector, or Super-Connector,’ as referenced in Malcom Gladwell’s book, The Tipping Point. Initially, I was flattered and completely taken aback. But the more I thought about this, I began to feel excited and realized just how true this really is for me! I constantly find myself interacting with others in my network who haven’t connected yet, but should.
I realized I feel this intuitive pull to reach out and make these connections, and I believe this is my higher power guiding me to bring others together so they can achieve something great. This is powerful, and I thought I’d share.
So what exactly does it mean to be a connector? Based on Malcolm Gladwell’s description in his book, “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.” This is exactly what my colleague was trying to describe that I do! And at this realization, I started thinking about how I’d been acting on this intuitive hit all along, without even thinking about how beneficial this has been to others and my own business.
Most people have a difficult time asking for help or feel resistance to stepping out of their comfort zones. The reality is, asking for help is brave, and usually the fastest way out of being stuck. Having a solid network and support group is one of the best ways to help you move through your fear or hesitancy to get started. When I connect people within my network, it makes me feel good to know that I might be helping to bridge this gap.
Whether it’s a podcast collaboration, a Mastermind group, an Instagram Live Interview, or even an introduction into a budding friendship, I find that connecting people and bringing them together is a small piece of the greater work that I do, but it’s some of the most valuable work that I do. Especially when I see the after-effects or products of the connection I helped to make.
In fact, a study from UC Berkeley found connecting others makes us kinder, inspiring altruism. This continues to contribute to our confidence and autonomy. What I find too, is that these feelings that come from connecting do more than encourage good intentions, but they also inspire positive actions. Both on my part due to the act of reaching out, but also between the two colleagues I’ve introduced. When we can build a community of positive people surrounding the work we do and believe in, we cultivate strength and ambition for others to draw from and contribute to. Hence, altruism.
When it comes down to it, no one can go at it alone. Even when you might think you have no one to turn to, I assure you there’s a connection just waiting to be made.
