The Tipping Point...

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The Tipping Point, written by Malcolm Gladwell, makes reference to many key, yet simple points that have the ability to make a difference in our world!



He comments on key types of people that must champion an idea or concept in order to make an optimal difference. (I.e. to reach the tipping point). Gladwell describes these people as Connectors, Mavens, and Salesmen. If individuals from all three of groups endorse and promote an idea, it is highly likely that it will tip into tremendous success.


Who are these people?

CONNECTORS
They know lots of people and some may suggest that they know everyone. In reality, they do not know everyone, but as I see it, they have the ability and potential to know anyone that they want to. Gladwell suggests that many people don't spend a lot of time thinking about the importance of these kinds of people.

MAVENS
They are regarded as "information specialists". They have the information and collect knowledge.
The good news here is that they know how to share it with others. As Gladwell states, "Mavens are really information brokers, sharing and trading what they know."

SALESMEN
They like to persuade with a lot of charm and with powerful negotiation skills. They tend to have an indefinable trait that goes beyond what they say, which makes others want to agree with them.

The purpose for writing this week`s BLOG is to have all of us think about the above-noted people in our lives. Who are they? How do they help you or your network? I am fortunate in that I know several Connectors, Mavens and Salesmen. All are unique and very valuable to my network and contact base.

It is in your best interest to know as many of each type as possible. If you have a Maven from every Sector or industry, just think of the information and knowledge that you have access to. If I want to know the trends in Farming for example, I would talk to my brother-in-law Wayne, who eats and sleeps Farming, and he does it very well and on a large business scale. If I want to understand the ins and outs of Commercial Security systems, I will contact my friend Tim. This list goes on and on for me.

I am regarded as a “Connector” and quite honestly I really like the role. Roles like Connectors just seem to evolve. You don`t go to school and come out a ``Connector`` As I see it, these roles are more of a calling than anything. Whether it is through my Centres of Influence, or my LinkedIn connections, I will do what I can to connect someone with a desired contact. Ironically, I find this very easy to do and get a tremendous amount of satisfaction from connecting people. I also leverage my many Mavens and Salesmen, and of course, other Connectors in my circle, as they become invaluable resources for me and to those that I can “Connect.”

What really intrigues and excites me about the above roles and concepts within ``The Tipping Point``, is that with key Connectors, well informed Mavens and charming Salesmen, so much can be accomplished, if desired. Whether you want to make a meaningful difference in the world, build a business, or virtually anything that you can think of, it can be accomplished when you surround yourself with great people.

I challenge each of you to identify at least one new contact that fills one of these roles. But here is the bigger challenge. Identify what type you are, and leverage that talent, gift or calling, and make a difference with those that you meet.

A quote from Albert Einstein.....

”Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: That we are here for the sake of others...for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day, I realize how much my outer and inner life is built upon the labors of people, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.”

I welcome your comments on this topic in the comments section below....


“Helping you to the next level”