Today the ability to create effective business relationships and connect with others is becoming more important than ever for success. A businessperson’s ability to establish meaningful relationships fast is essential as our world becomes more connected technologically, but less so physically. Those that are able to create bonds, engage others, and develop impactful business relationships have – and will – win in this changing environment.
How would you categorize yourself as a connector? Are you a Power Connector, Energy Connector, or a Social Connector? Knowing how you interact with others and your relationship building style is a critical first step in finding ways to improve your skills. See below for the definitions to determine your connector type.
POWER CONNECTOR: You reach out almost daily to others. You engage, and proactively create and maintain relationships. You have established a focus on interaction with others; you most likely have empathy for, are genuinely curious about, and feel a compelling need to connect with other people. You are a Power Connector.
ENERGY CONNECTOR: You reach out to others, but probably not on a daily basis. You may find that others reach out to connect with you as frequently as or more than you reach out to them. You have a great interest in others, and you want to connect and engage. You know relationships in your business are important, but you don’t focus on this importance every day. You are an Energy Connector.
CASUAL CONNECTOR: You reach out to others, but not as a focus in your business. You most likely create strong relationships with others, but do not want to or do not have an interest in increasing relationships with large numbers of people. You connect with others more reactively than proactively. You are a Casual Connector.
Consider jotting down a few ideas to become an even better connector within your selected category. Organize a list of whom you want to connect with, and how and when you plan to follow through. Set connector goals for yourself each week, challenging yourself to become better, and reward yourself when you meet your connector goals. There is no doubt that every one of us can get just a little bit better at connecting (yes, of course myself included).
Maribeth Kuzmeski
Maribeth Kuzmeski, MBA is the founder of Red Zone Marketing, LLC, which consults to Fortune 500 firms on strategic marketing planning and business growth. She is the author of 4 books, has frequently appeared on TV and radio, and has written articles on marketing strategies for hundreds of publications including Business Week and Entrepreneur. She regularly speaks to audiences on topics relating to business development, marketing, and sales strategies. Maribeth is author of The Connectors: How the World’s Most Successful Businesspeople Build Relationships and Win Clients for Life (Wiley, September 2009).
Follow Me:
