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Written by Megan Meuli, M.A., Target the Stars
You can spot them a mile away. They tend to be outgoing, always dropping names. They call anyone they know including their doctors, nurses, and casual acquaintances their "friends."
These individuals get excited when they meet a new person and are constantly reaching back into their past to reconnect and maintain relationships with co-workers and fellow community members. They just can't get enough people in their lives. In her song People, Barbara Streisand sang, "People, people who need people, are the luckiest people in the world." In reality, you're the lucky one if you can and do connect to these people, especially if you're looking for a job.
I call them Connectors. They're biggest thrill in life is connecting people with opportunities whether those opportunities are jobs, community resources, or most importantly nourishing relationships. Cue Fiddler on the Roof's, "Matchmaker, Matchmaker make me a match."
If you don't have a Connector in your life, you need to find one, like now. You can spot them on LinkedIn...they're the ones who have over connections. They share others posts. They have a twinkle in their eye and their energy is contagious. If you're shy or not so great at the networking aspect of job seeking, a short cut can be networking with a Connector. They'll help you zero in on who you need to connect with to find that job opportunity you're looking for. They tend to career counselors, recruiters, and individuals in sales and marketing positions. You'll often find them in leadership positions in social and spiritual community groups.
Connectors see opportunities everywhere. They can't help it. They want to help you. It's their nature. Like a sunflower following the sun. They can't help themselves. They are Givers (and need to be protected like an endangered species).
If you have a Connector in your life, thank them...profusely.....it energizes them and keeps them fueled...and then, don't be afraid to ask for a connection. They may not have a connection or resource for you for you immediately but...give them time, they're bound to find someone they're connect to who knows what you need. And then, be sure to feed your connector and your network with as much help as you can. We all need to be connected. It's the human condition.
Not everyone's a Connector, and that's ok. We all have special talents and callings. As you discover your calling (that intersection between your strengths and your community needs), Connectors will be a very important part of your ability to live your calling or if needed just find a job to pay the bills.
Deep Dive into this topic and read Malcolm Gladwell's book, The Tipping Point
How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference...or just read this awesome article summarizing his concepts about Connectors, Mavens, and Salespersons.
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