I like being known as a connector.
While it’s a term open to various definitions, I see it as that person who develops relationships that bring value to others in one’s network. And yes, sometimes it brings value to the connector directly – maybe it’s a piece of new business or a favor repaid. But that is incidental; those who connect solely for personal gain are merely takers, not givers.
For me, connecting in business is about being present, being available, being unselfish. It’s hard to maintain all those qualities but the benefits are wonderful. I’ve connected clients with similar interests or opportunities to complement each other somehow. I’ve connected friends with groups where I feel they can offer value. I’ve connected colleagues to new opportunities.
I love connecting. For those in sales or marketing roles in the B2B world, here are seven reasons to keep connecting (or to start):
Free time is for later
Connectors fill their schedules; it’s their nature. When away from connecting, find an activity to fill your time. Even when you are not connecting, alternative activities will help you maintain a schedule for those times when connecting is more of an active opportunity in your career.
Nurture your network
Without feeding it, a network can wither. Just this week I got a nice LinkedIn endorsement from an old client and friend. It struck me that we’ve had lunch or breakfast three or four times a year for a decade, yet nothing in the past year. I miss that. Sometimes we just talked about kids, other times we helped each other with professional challenges. So stay ready, friend; I’ll be calling soon.
Be helpful to your fellow connectors
You hear things when you’re plugged in. Maybe it’s a business opportunity for a client or a committee seat for a colleague. But you miss these opportunities when you’re absent. Sometimes just being there is critical.
Experience the power of social interaction
When you connect with the right group of people, it’s fun. Socializing with a peer group is comforting and rewarding. Why do you think Norm kept going back to Cheers?
It helps to be known
Connecting is one of the greatest ways to raise the visibility of your organization. Being present at events important to you, your network and your business, generates awareness.
Social media alone does not cut it
At times, I keep up with my network via social media. We share tweets or post photos on Instagram. While we know who our network is and what they’re up to, it does not match the benefit of having a physical presence. Social is fleeting; attending is meaningful.
Connecting is global
My agency’s participation in the IPREX network and my role as marketing chair keeps me focused on ways to help partners connect and engage online and off. I can only help make connections within the network better if I am in full connector mode myself.
