How to be A Connector: Boston & Beyond

I often hear people say,

" J. Mott knows everyone," or even more common, " I'm not surprised you two know each other."

An article Colin Greenhalgh shared with me a week ago, "Stop Asking Me For Introductions; I Only Connect People" by Micah Baldwin, resonates with me, so much so, I wanted to share an opinion piece on how to be a connector in "Boston & Beyond." Believe it or not, the title was not the easiest part!

How to be A Connector: Boston & Beyond

There are a few Do’s and Don’ts that come with meeting, networking, and connecting with people, in Boston, and around the world. Below, I've shared a few of the Do's, the Don'ts will follow, depending on the response to this article. Feel free to Like, Share, Comment!

Simple things you can do to help ease tension in an unfamiliar environment:

1.    Smile - Something so simple, that a lot of people fail to do. Unfortunately, many events and networking opportunities take place after a long day's work. People take for granted how their energy can, and will, affect energy reciprocated. When drained of your normal rambunctious energy, or if you consider yourself an introvert, you may unconsciously give off negative vibes. Good vibes only peeps; you will attract the person you are (at least in the moment). NOTE: People will read and judge you, before you even open your mouth, so allow them to 'read the good pages first.' Nonverbal cues CAN prohibit great interactions from happening. Don’t limit yourself. Be Approachable. Smile.

2.    Be Transparent - One of the biggest lessons I've learned, is to be completely honest with people I interact with. Once you pass step one (smile), and enter 'the treacherous world of conversations,' avoid hesitating to bare all with complete strangers. Be mindful your energy, if you flow like Jay-Z in '96, your counterparts will match your energy! Now, there are reasons to actively screen your speech; don’t lead with "your a Klingon from Q'onoS" because you will lose most people. On the other hand, don’t be afraid to tell people you are looking for new job or that you are a shy person. In fact, stating how nervous you are shows that you are human, and likely, relatable. Being transparent will help you overcome anxieties you may experience, and unearth synergies between you and your audience.

3.    Have Goals - Networking is about gaining a new perspective. Each and every time you meet someone, have a goal in mind. Your goals can be as simple as introducing yourself or getting better at public speaking. Not all goals need to be as complex as asking an you mother to fund your cannabis app. Whether that goal is to make a useful introduction, to help with a particular project, or just to have a new friend in the city, have a purpose for the interaction. Setting goals will allow your conversation to grow steadily and continuously, towards your desired result.

4.    Offer Your Help - Just as you should have a goal, I guarantee everyone in your conversation has a goal. Although some goals are of material value, other common goals are to gain knowledge, friends, or resources. Be up front, and offer your help! It should come with no surprise -- people appreciate, AND remember selflessness.

'How might I be able to help you?'

5.    Follow-Up – An alarming number of people I’ve connected with: VCs, Founders, Recruiters, etc., have shared their dismay regarding the inability of people to keep their word. If you tell someone, you will follow up with them, DO IT! Keep it concise, remind them how you connected, and tell them why you’re reaching out. If you would like something from them, buy them coffee (or dinner, I like dinner), offer your help, and hopefully they will ask what they could possibly do for you!

I am here to help others. I hope these simple alley-ops to being a connector helps even one person. If you need me, reach out, send me InMail, email me, tweet me @JusMott. My name is Justin Mott, and I approve this message.

Cover Photo Credit: Kyeana Jones, Boston

*Photo 1 Credit: 'Smile' by Arpit Gupta via Pintrest

**Photo 2 Credit: 'Helping Others Silhouette' Gallery via John Barrett Blog