Little things make a big difference

We must all be able to identify whom we are interacting with. I completed the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell and I know most of you must have read it. If not then you must pick it up and read it.

This book is a masterpiece where he discusses why something becomes so successful, why most keep trying and why most failed.

I am of an opinion that if we have read something we must implement it. Unless we don’t implement what we have learned there is no use of acquiring such knowledge. Since the time I have finished the book, I look at what kind of people I am interacting with.

 According to Gladwell, there are three categories of people with whom we engage every day:

1. Connector: Someone who has such a great network that if she says something, it will reach to all the people across. They are very well connected with everyone. While they may or may not have detailed knowledge, their ability to influence people makes them a favourite.  
2. Maven: She has the same network but is a very detailed person. If you ask her something, she will tell you the exact details of it. Example: If you ask her about a store, she has the ability to give you all the details, the location, the timings, the kind of offer going on the store, the right person to contact.
3. Salesman: These are those people who are very persuasive and use their understanding well. These are very important people. If it were not for them, why would you use this phone where you are reading this blog? This phone is with you because someone somewhere has persuaded you to buy it.

In our day to day life, we interact with so many people. I have tried to identify what kind of people I interact with. Is he a Connector, Maven or a Salesman? What kind of people we meet determines our success. If we are surrounded by salesman across then most likely we will be a salesman. If we have to move up then we have to start networking with connectors and mavens. While you may find and befriend connectors once in a while, Mavens are difficult to make friends with.

When I look at the address book that I have with me, it is full of Salesmen; there are very few connectors and just 1-2 Mavens.

Still not understood? Let me give you an example. Imagine you are friends with Devdutt Patnaik and he talks about you with someone. The kind of impact that it will have on your image will be outstanding. Or say, Ratan Tata is reading a book that you have written. Then he writes a review for you. Imagine the scalability it will give. These are two extreme examples. We can define Maven according to the network that we have and the goal that we want to reach in our lives. The more the number of Maven the more is the probability of success.

A connector will also have a similar impact as Maven. He will connect you with a large group of people. They are equally important as Mavens. While you need to be very technically correct while dealing with Mavens, dealing with connectors is very casual and less detailed. It is more of exchanging pleasantries and have a synchronized conversation. A connector can give you a propelling boost to your career. Let’s take my example here. I write so many blogs very few read it and still fewer share it. What if a person who has more than 2,00,000 connection shares it. It will suddenly reach everywhere. The most impactful blog that I have written of the 40 odds blogs was on Typhoo that has touched about 3500 clicks. Had a Connector shared it the clicks would 3-4 times more than the above number. If it were a Maven who shared the blog then along with the reach, I would have also got some leads

Then comes the salesman. These are those who are there at the place to use all their skills to sell a product or service with you. They are very sound at what they do. While they may not have networks that are as large as connectors or mavens, they are good at promoting directly to the person in front of them.

In my venture to help companies launch and relaunch brands; I try to implement it as much as I can. We have to get to places where we can get touched by any of these three. Therefore, very careful profiling has to be done on how to go about it. If you want to know more I am opening a discussion on Sunday at 3 pm. You can either on my cell +91 9702277967 or email on [email protected] or connect with me on skype @vijays24.

Please look at the following snap. There one on the right side is Mr. Rajiv Kaul (President Leela Group of Hotels). The one in the centre is Ms. Farzana Contractor (One of the well-known media person). The one on the right is me. Can you identify the Maven, the Connector and the Salesman in this? Do share your finding?

The company that I run, Sharp Consulting and Implementing Company, helps in implementing. Now go to your address book in the email or in the phone, how many connectors or mavens or salesman you see? You will get to know where you stand. If you are happy it ok? If not then you must start finding ways to reach them. They will act as a catalyst to reach your goal.

Disclaimer: This is my interpretation of the Tipping Point. There are many more ideas on which the books throw light. You must read it to understand all of it.