What Does It Mean to be “Connected”?
February 25th, 2010Main Entry: connected
Function: adjective
1 : joined or linked together
2 : having the parts or elements logically linked together <presented a thoroughly connected view of the problem>
3 : related by blood or marriage
4 : having social, professional, or commercial relationships <a well-connected lawyer>
5 of a set : having the property that any two of its points can be joined by a line completely contained in the set; also : incapable of being separated into two or more closed disjoint subsets
A responsibility of mine at Qonverge it to build relationships and be “connected”, but recently I have given it some thought. Am I connected? Have I connected with the right people and/or groups? Will my current connections ensure my success? The short answer is “NO” and it is no for several reasons. Let’s take a closer look at why.
- I have developed many great connections using Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter, but do these individuals really care about what I have to say? Are they listening? I like most need to make sure there is value in my message. No one cares about what I have to say or what you have to say unless it offers value to them or helps them. That is the simple truth.
- I attend just about every networking event the Grand Rapids and Grand Haven Chamber of Commerce’s hold. I’m part of several other groups as well and I have met literally hundreds of people, but have I made a lasting impression or have I just handed them yet another business card? I know what I end up doing with my handful of useless business cards after a networking meeting, but what happens to mine? Do they end up in the trash or a drawer with 1,000 others? How can I ensure that my business card doesn’t end up with the others? It boils down to value again. Was there value in my message and did I offer that individual something that would be of benefit to them?
“Hi, I’m Remie and I represent XYZ Company. We sell the most innovative Widgits in the industry. You should buy one for your business because they are the best out there and did I mention how great they are”? Have you heard this pitch before? I’m sure I have used it in the past. Besides the fact that it sounds just like everyone else in the biz, it doesn’t offer any value. It doesn’t solve a problem! You can incorporate this into just about any type of business or service.
So moving forward how can I really become connected? For starters I need to develop a clear and consistent message before I speak. I have a voice and I need to use it, but if I continue to offer a valueless message I will keep getting the same results. Secondly, simply being part of these groups and attending their events is not enough. I can’t actually say I’m part of something unless I really become part of something. If you are going to take the time to become a member of a group than do yourself a favor and become an active and involved member. I simply cannot just attend events anymore. I have to take action and get involved. By doing these simple steps I will find myself connected and I will have all the success I need because I will be offering value to those I’m connected to. I want people to say “Not only does Remie have a clear and consistent message, but he takes action, he is involved and that is the type of person I want to work with”.
Connected with me:
