Introduction
In today's interconnected world, success often depends on who you know rather than what you know. "How to Be a Power Connector" by Judy Robinett offers a comprehensive guide to building and leveraging a powerful network to achieve your personal and professional goals. This book goes beyond simple networking advice, teaching readers how to become true "power connectors" - individuals who not only build extensive networks but also create value for everyone in their circle.
Robinett draws on her vast experience as a business leader and networker to provide practical strategies for expanding your connections, nurturing relationships, and maximizing opportunities for yourself and others. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or professional looking to advance your career, this book offers invaluable insights into the art and science of strategic networking.
The Importance of Strategic Relationships
Why You Need a Strong Network
In our complex, fast-paced world, operating in isolation is no longer an option. Strategic relationships - connections that provide mutual value through information, contacts, and resources - are crucial for personal and professional success. These relationships offer several key advantages:
Social Status: People often judge you based on your network. Having connections to influential individuals can elevate your perceived status and open doors to new opportunities.
Power by Association: Much like belonging to a street gang, being part of a powerful network can inspire respect and influence, even if you haven't personally achieved the same level of success as others in your circle.
Access to Information: A strong network provides you with early or exclusive access to valuable information. When you need help or advice, you can tap into your network's collective knowledge and resources.
Assessing Your Current Network
To determine the strength of your strategic network, consider the following questions:
What is your strategic quotient (SQ) - the proportion of strategic relationships in your network compared to casual connections?
How many people do you communicate with regularly, and does this communication create added value?
Do you have a "wish list" of people you want to connect with, and a plan to make those connections?
By honestly evaluating your current network, you can identify areas for improvement and begin to develop a more strategic approach to relationship-building.
Becoming a Power Connector
The Role of a Power Connector
Power connectors are individuals who excel at bringing people and resources together for mutual benefit. They act as catalysts, creating connections that lead to new opportunities and positive outcomes for all involved. For example, a power connector might introduce a startup founder to a potential investor, or connect a job seeker with a hiring manager in their industry.
The 5+50+100 Rule
To effectively manage your network, Robinett recommends organizing your connections using the 5+50+100 Rule:
Top 5: Your inner circle of closest relationships. These are the people you trust implicitly and communicate with almost daily. Examples include your spouse, parents, best friend, or business partner.
Key 50: The next tier of valuable relationships, including friends and associates. You should aim to contact these people at least once a week and consistently look for ways to add value to their lives.
Vital 100: More distant connections, such as acquaintances and business contacts. While you may only communicate with them monthly, these individuals would likely help you if asked. Maintaining these relationships is important for expanding your network's reach.
By categorizing your connections in this way, you create a foundation for strategic relationship planning and ensure that you're dedicating appropriate time and energy to nurturing your most important connections.
Building a Diverse and Robust Network
The Power of Diversity
While it's natural to gravitate towards people who share our interests and values, a truly effective network requires diversity. Heterogeneity drives innovation and creativity, so it's essential to step out of your comfort zone and connect with individuals from different backgrounds, industries, and perspectives.
A strong network should be:
Wide: Including connections to people different from yourself in terms of industry, interests, age, or background.
Deep: Offering multiple pathways to achieve your goals. For example, having several contacts who could potentially introduce you to a specific person or organization.
Robust: Comprising individuals who are responsive and eager to help when called upon.
To build this kind of network, actively seek out people who challenge your thinking or come from different walks of life. For instance, if you're a conservative Catholic, consider connecting with Buddhists or individuals from other faith traditions. You may find unexpected common ground and gain access to entirely new circles of influence.
Finding the Right Ecosystem
To maximize the effectiveness of your networking efforts, it's crucial to identify and engage with the right "ecosystems" - environments where potential contacts and opportunities are plentiful. These ecosystems are characterized by high activity and influence within your field of interest.
Before entering a new ecosystem:
- Identify who you want to meet and why.
- Determine what unique value you can offer to others in that environment.
- Assess whether you're a good fit for the ecosystem in terms of your skills, appearance, and behavior.
Don't overlook the ecosystems you're already part of, such as your local community. Engaging in volunteer work or supporting local charities can introduce you to a diverse range of people and potentially lead to valuable connections.
The Power Connecting System
Robinett outlines a four-phase system for effective power connecting:
1. Preparation
In this phase, you assess your current position and future goals, then develop a plan to bridge the gap. Key steps include:
- Creating a comprehensive list of your accomplishments, categorized by ecosystem or industry.
- Compiling a list of all your contacts and ranking them according to the 5+50+100 rule.
- Identifying your skills, strengths, and unique value proposition.
2. Targeting
Once you've laid the groundwork, it's time to identify specific individuals you want to connect with and prepare for your initial encounter. Consider the following:
- Research your target thoroughly to understand their background, interests, and potential needs.
- Dress appropriately for the context in which you'll meet. Quality is visible, so invest in your appearance.
- Use the Marriott 15/5 rule: Acknowledge people with eye contact and a nod when within 15 feet, and offer a smile and greeting within 5 feet.
3. Reconnecting
After making initial contact, it's crucial to follow up promptly to solidify the connection. Key points to remember:
- Reconnect within 24 hours to demonstrate your interest and communication skills.
- Send a thank-you message that includes something of value (e.g., a relevant article or resource) and briefly explains your work or goals.
- Show genuine care for your contacts, especially during challenging times. A simple "How are you doing?" can go a long way in nurturing relationships.
4. Connecting Your Connections
The final phase involves creating value for your network by introducing people who can benefit from knowing each other. This approach helps develop "power triangles" where multiple parties, including yourself, gain value from the connection.
For example, you might introduce a software developer friend to a coding academy director you met at a conference, who in turn connects you with potential clients or partners in the tech industry.
Leveraging Social Media and Technology
In today's digital age, social media and online platforms play a crucial role in networking. Here are some tips for making the most of these tools:
LinkedIn and Professional Networks
- Use LinkedIn to reach out to people you might not otherwise meet in person.
- Make thoughtful introductions between your connections, ensuring there's mutual benefit.
- Craft compelling subject lines for your messages to increase the likelihood of a response.
Twitter and Expert Connections
- Follow experts in your field and engage with their content by retweeting and asking insightful questions.
- Share valuable information and articles that might interest your target connections.
Email Etiquette
- Use clear, informative subject lines that provide context for your message.
- Keep emails concise and focused on the recipient's interests or needs.
While digital communication is convenient and powerful, remember that face-to-face interactions are still the most effective way to build strong relationships. Use technology to supplement and enhance your in-person networking efforts, not replace them entirely.
Strategies for Women in Business
Robinett offers specific advice for women looking to enhance their power-connecting abilities:
1. Connect Strategically in All Directions
- Actively seek out mentors and supporters, as institutional support for female leaders may be lacking.
- Build relationships with superiors you admire by offering assistance and adding value to their work.
2. Speak Up, but Do So Pleasantly
- Many women struggle to articulate their goals and leverage their networks effectively.
- Adopt a "relentlessly pleasant" approach when advocating for yourself or your ideas. This strategy, coined by University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman, involves being persistent and assertive while maintaining a positive and professional demeanor.
3. Support Other Women
- Make a conscious effort to help other women succeed in their careers.
- Consider starting or joining a "stiletto network" - a group of women who actively support each other's professional goals.
- By lifting others up, you strengthen your own network and create a positive ripple effect in your industry.
Overcoming Networking Challenges
Dealing with Shyness
For those who find networking intimidating, Robinett suggests:
- Act "as if" you're a confident person who others would love to talk to.
- Remember that many people feel shy in social situations - you're not alone.
- Practice small talk and conversation starters to build your confidence.
Managing Your Time and Energy
With so many potential connections and opportunities, it's easy to become overwhelmed. To stay focused:
- Prioritize your networking efforts based on your goals and the 5+50+100 rule.
- Set aside dedicated time for relationship-building activities.
- Use tools like CRM software or spreadsheets to track your connections and follow-ups.
Maintaining Authenticity
As you expand your network, it's crucial to remain true to yourself:
- Focus on building genuine relationships rather than simply collecting contacts.
- Be honest about your skills, experiences, and goals.
- Look for ways to add value that align with your personal strengths and interests.
Putting It All Together: Creating Your Power Connecting Plan
To implement the strategies outlined in "How to Be a Power Connector," consider creating a personalized action plan:
Assess Your Current Network: Use the 5+50+100 rule to categorize your existing connections and identify gaps.
Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve through your networking efforts, both short-term and long-term.
Identify Target Ecosystems: Research and list the environments where you're most likely to meet valuable connections.
Develop Your Value Proposition: Clearly articulate what unique skills, knowledge, or resources you can offer to others.
Create a Networking Calendar: Schedule regular time for reaching out to your Top 5, Key 50, and Vital 100 contacts.
Practice Your Approach: Refine your introduction, elevator pitch, and follow-up strategies.
Leverage Technology: Set up and optimize your social media profiles, particularly on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Seek Diverse Connections: Actively look for opportunities to meet people outside your usual circles.
Give Before You Get: Focus on adding value to your network by making introductions, sharing information, and offering support.
Review and Adjust: Regularly assess the effectiveness of your networking efforts and make changes as needed.
Conclusion: The Power of Strategic Connections
"How to Be a Power Connector" offers a comprehensive roadmap for building and leveraging a powerful network in today's interconnected world. By following Judy Robinett's strategies and principles, you can transform your approach to networking from a haphazard collection of contacts into a strategic asset that drives personal and professional success.
The key takeaways from this book include:
The importance of cultivating diverse, deep, and robust networks that extend beyond your immediate circle.
The value of organizing your connections using the 5+50+100 rule to ensure you're nurturing your most important relationships.
The power of becoming a connector who creates value for others by facilitating mutually beneficial introductions.
The need to approach networking with intention, preparation, and follow-through.
The potential of social media and technology to enhance (but not replace) face-to-face networking efforts.
The unique challenges and opportunities for women in building powerful networks.
By embracing the role of a power connector, you position yourself not just as a participant in your industry or community, but as a catalyst for positive change and growth. As you expand your network and create value for others, you'll find that opportunities, resources, and support flow more readily in your direction.
Remember that becoming a skilled power connector is an ongoing process that requires patience, persistence, and genuine care for others. As you implement the strategies outlined in this book, focus on building authentic relationships and creating win-win situations for everyone in your network. With time and practice, you'll develop the ability to connect people and ideas in ways that drive success for yourself and those around you.
Ultimately, the power of strategic connections lies not just in what they can do for you, but in how they enable you to make a broader impact on the world. By mastering the art of power connecting, you'll be well-equipped to achieve your goals, help others succeed, and contribute to the growth and innovation of your chosen field.