Connectors

I met an old colleague named Bob for coffee last week. He introduced me to three people he thought might be interesting for me to know. Bob is a connector. He is the node of a network that he has nurtured for fifty years. I want to be Bob when I grow up. He seems to know everyone.

In turn, the next day, I had coffee with a new friend and introduced her to three people who I hope will enrich her life. Playing the role of connector is rewarding and also quite easy. In today’s world, being a connector - someone who actively brings people together - offers immense personal and professional benefits. At its core, connecting people is about fostering relationships that can lead to shared opportunities, collaboration, and community. It is also immensely entertaining.

Last Saturday, I threw a reunion tailgate party for my fraternity brothers from my undergraduate days. Organizing the event was a little bit of work, and I spent some money on beer and food, but when 200 people showed up it was easily all worth it. We raised 16 times as much money for a scholarship as I spent on the event. The real reward was seeing old friends reconnect and rekindle long-dormant relationships. I was playing the role of connector. The philosophy of our fraternity’s founder was “To do what ought to be done but what would not have been done unless I did it.” In other words, someone’s gotta do it, or it doesn’t get done.

I also host monthly dinner parties with a revolving, eclectic, multi-generational guest list. The events are no work at all. We have food delivered and pour good wine. The ingredients of a successful dinner party are an open door and interesting people. I love watching new connections being formed in my dining room. This is something that “ought to be done,” but few people do.

Give some thought to your role in creating connections. Your life is enriched when you help others succeed. You can build a positive legacy of enhancing the lives of those who come into your orbit. All you have to do is open the door, keep your contacts up to date, and occasionally buy the beer.