How to become a superconnector
How to become a superconnector
Create new sparks!
I love to connect with people. It genuinely makes me feel good. I expect nothing in return… it’s simply part of my ethos around being nice and helping others. Connection is vitally important for us as humans and I get excited at the potential electricity that can be created when two great people are introduced to each other.
Photo by Conny Schneider on Unsplash
Being a superconnector is simply awesome…and you can become one too!
Becoming a superconnector involves developing and nurturing a vast network of relationships. These relationships exist between yourself and others and your ability to connect with people within your network. Superconnectors are valuable because they strongly desire to bring great people together. There is typically a lot of thought that goes into making these introductions - how each individual may benefit given the introduction, ways to emphasize the positive aspects of each individual in an introduction or a pre-introduction meeting and the history of your relationship with each individual.
Looking to become a superconnector? Here are some ways to help you become a superconnector:
Build genuine relationships: Focus on building authentic relationships rather than collecting contacts. (We have all been to those networking sessions where you exchange business cards or contact details and nothing happens afterward. A lot of fluffy conversations focused on optics vs. genuine interest). Instead, engage meaningfully with others, showing genuine interest in their activities, challenges, and successes and how you can help them!
Offer value first: Always look for ways to help before asking for anything in return. This could be through advice, sharing information, offering introductions, or supporting their projects.
Foster a diverse network: Superconnectors are known for having a diverse network. This includes people from different industries, backgrounds, and skill sets. This diversity allows for more dynamic connections between people with varying needs and capabilities, unique perspectives, new learning opportunities and ways to apply the systems of other industries into your own.
Leverage technology: Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, private Slack communities (and more) maintain connections and meet new people. Take advantage of CRMs (Customer Relationship Management) as well to help manage and strengthen those connections.
Engage regularly: Make the effort to introduce people within your network who have mutual interests or could benefit from knowing each other regularly. As you’re talking with people you will inherently notice yourself thinking…” Hey, it would be great for them to chat with «insert other person in your network» about this…”
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Host events: Organize and host events (either virtual or physical) where your contacts can meet. This could be formal conferences, casual meetups, or online webinars. Events are a great way to strengthen existing connections and forge new ones.
Stay Engaged and Follow Up: After making introductions or meeting new people, follow up to see how things are progressing. This shows that you care about your connections and can see how you can further help them.
Be a proponent of self-expression: Publish content, speak at events, and share valuable insights with your network. This enhances your credibility and naturally attracts more people to your network.
Photo by Joe Green on Unsplash
Active listening: Communication: is #1 and being a great listener is vital to nurturing your network. This will help you make more thoughtful and beneficial connections.
Be curious, always learning and adapting: The needs and dynamics of your network will evolve. Stay informed about industry trends, behaviours, tools for networking, and shifts in the professional landscape of your connections.
Thanks for reading!
-Adam