How are others connected to you?
Connectors are good at what they do because they have a genuine passion for helping people. They are not in it to win it, and neither do they focus on what they can get out of their interactions. Instead, their main concern is getting their clients what they need by connecting them with the right people. It’s a well respected position because without connectors, companies and individuals would miss out on a lot of opportunities. But if you want to spread your wings and take your brand to the next level, expanding your influence is the key.
Focus On The Things You Can Change
When people think about expanding their influence, the assumption is that they seek out more opportunities by ramping up their advertizing and marketing game. It makes sense, the more you advertize, the more people you reach. However, you’ll need to do things a little differently as a connector. The idea is to become so good at your job, that word of mouth becomes your number one marketing tool. One way you can achieve this is by focusing on the things you can change about your brand and be proactive about changing them. The goal is excellence, so evaluate what you’re working with now, and start making the required changes for improvement.
Be More Empathetic
As a people person, empathy is extremely important. When people feel heard and understood, they are more likely to remain loyal to you. As a connector, you will most likely possess high levels of empathy, but you can become even more empathetic than you already are. Here are some tips:
· Become more curious: Start paying attention to people you don’t know. If you take public transport to work, striking up conversations with strangers is a great way to develop more empathy because it exposes us to a range of perspectives, lifestyles and world views.
· Focus on similarities: It’s easy to focus on the differences when you meet someone for the first time, and those differences often separate us. A person might appear different at first, but after speaking with them, realize you’ve got a lot in common. Look for those similarities during conversation because it will draw you closer to them.
· Listen and Share: Empathetic people are great listeners, they know how to get completely immersed in the world of the person they’re speaking to. This is a good thing, but you also want to give them some insight into your world. In this way, you develop trust and build a deeper bond.
Do More Than What You’re Paid For
The average employee won’t do more than what they’re paid for. As soon as the clock strikes five, they’re clocking out and exiting the building. In fact, people that go the extra mile at work are often ostracized for their efforts and called names like, ‘jobs worth,’ and ‘eager beaver.’ However, these are the people who are typically promoted or go on to gain higher paying jobs. The same applies when you work for yourself, do more than what your clients pay you to do and eventually, you’re reputation will speak for itself. You see, you never know who’s watching you and has become so impressed with you’re work ethic that you’re the first person they think of when a large contract comes up.
Using your brand to expand your influence as a connector is about self improvement. Self-investment is the best investment, and when you focus on becoming the best that you can be so that you can deliver a superior service, you will become so well known in your industry, you won’t need to introduce yourself when you walk into a room.
