advancing women in business

Connecting with Connectors

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Kate FarrowClient Leadership Development Managereverywoman

An Introduction to Building Strong Networks

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First Question

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Connecting with Connectors

Heather WhiteNetworking ExpertSmarter Networking

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Objectives

• Able to identify Connectors• Able to network with Connectors (they

are a bit special)• Where to meet Connectors• Increase your skills as a Connector

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What is a Connector?

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What benefits does a Connector bring?

• Opens doors• Connections• Know when things are

changing• Hear when things are

changing• Asked by influencers for a

name• Can get YOU out there• Can increase your profile

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Why would a Connector help you?

• It’s in their DNA to help• It’s how they stay in touch

with their key contacts• They LOVE collecting people

BUT• It’s important they can trust you• They need to be able to ‘get

you’• It’s vital you follow up any

connections they make immediately

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How to identify a Connector• Frequently mentions other

people’s names• Asks lots of question but not

necessarily in-depth• Seems to have an eclectic

network• Happy to make connections• Keen to helpBUT• Name droppers BUT not offering• Questions to clarify• They are normally fairly loyal• Never confuse status with

connections

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Think about your networks – who are your Connectors?

• Write down 5 names of people to whom you have been introduced

• Against each name write down who made the connection for you• Later on do this exercise with at least 20 people so you can see who your Connectors are

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Poll 1

Do you feel you could identify a Connector?• Yes• No• Sort of

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Poll 2

What clarity do you need to help you?(open ended response – please leave your feedback in the comments box)

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Make it easy for your Connectors(or they won’t bother)

• Why they ask questions but rarely go into detail

• Their contacts have problems which Connectors love to solve

• Connectors need Experts/Influencers

• Make it easy for them to pass your name forward by:• Get a sense of your

character• Understand your expertise• Know about your

experiences

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Networking with Connectors

• If possible meet face-2-face every 3 - 6 months

• Keep them informed of any special projects you are involved with

• Make connections to them of other specialists

• Find out what they are interested in and see if you can help

• Keep educating them about you (nicely)

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Where to meet Connectors?

• It’s more an attitude than a location

• Ask your contacts who they think are well connected and ask for an introduction

• At events – they LOVE people

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Poll 3

Who has made a connection for someone this week?

YesNo

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Poll 4

Who has made a connection for someone last week?

Yes No

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Poll 5

Who likes to make connections to others if they are able?

YesNoDon’t know how

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Should you become a Connector?

• One of the most rewarding things to do for another person

• Start slowly• Yes, it does take time

and risk

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Work through this workbook online when you access your dashboard or you can download the workbook by clicking on the ‘Download PDF versions’.If you have any questions you can submit them in the ‘Ask a Question’ box at the bottom of the everywoman.com screen.

Work through this Workbook online