The old saying, “it’s not what you know but who you know,” is more true today than ever. We live in a social world, and it’s never been easier to connect with and engage with people from around the globe.
So when Michelle Tillis Lederman asked me to review her book, The Connector’s Advantage, I jumped at the chance. Michelle is a master connector, even tapping into her extensive network to research and write this book.
For anyone looking to cultivate and grow a stronger network, The Connector’s Advantage is a must-read. Not only will it teach you how to think like a connector, it will inspire you to stand up, reach out, and build powerful alliances that will enrich your life.
About Michelle Tillis Lederman
Michelle Tillis Lederman is a people expert who inspires organizations and individuals to build real relationships and get real results. For the past 15 years, Michelle has helped companies grow their greatest asset – their people.
Not only is she the founder and CEO of Executive Essentials, Michelle is an accomplished speaker, trainer, coach, and author of four books: The 11 Laws of Likability, Heroes Get Hired, Nail The Interview – Land The Job, and yes, The Connector’s Advantage.
Named by Forbes as one of the top 25 Professional Networking Experts, Michelle is a former NYU professor, financial executive, and CPA. Today, she teaches from experience and shares what she learned during her extensive career. Her client list is a veritable Who’s Who of businesses, including Madison Square Garden, Citi Group, Johnson & Johnson, Deutsche Bank, and The Museum of Modern Art.
My Takeaways
Every now and then, you read a book that strikes the right chord, opening your mind to new possibilities and ways of being. The Connector’s Advantage is one of those books.
Michelle opens the book with this statement, “I’m not lucky, I am a connector.”
Think about that for a moment.
We admire people who have a powerful network, influence, and impact. We watch them work their magic… see the opportunities that open up for them… and conclude they must have been sprinkled with stardust on the day they were born.
But Michelle is one of those people — and she states unequivocally that anyone can learn to be a connector. The key, she says, is to infuse your interactions with the right mindsets and behaviors.
What I love about The Connector’s Advantage is that it’s written for all of us. If you’re already a connector, she’ll help you take it up a notch. If you’re new to networking or struggling to get better results, she’ll walk you through the process.
This book is your guide. Whatever level of connector you are, Super, Niche, Emerging/Acting, or Non-Connector, you can always improve your game. Because “being a Connector is a mindset. It’s not doing something: it’s being someone.”
Michelle starts by helping you build a solid foundation. The 10 Laws of Likability seem obvious, but we need the reminder, and she does a good job of explaining why they matter.
The heart of the book is the seven mindsets of a connector, each fully deconstructed and animated with stories, examples, and applications.
This, my friend, is the stardust. Come prepared to take notes because in every chapter, Michelle generously shares her best insights and tips, including:
- How to set appropriate boundaries as you build out your network
- Her guidelines for when to say no and how to say yes
- How to do social selling on LinkedIn and other social media platforms
- How (and why) to diversify your connections
- Six types of connections you need in your circle
- How to stay connected with an ever-expanding network
It’s Time to Feed Your Inner Connector
As Michelle says, “Connectors have a way about them. They think and act in a way that promotes further connection and strengthens existing relationships.”
That’s what you’ll learn in this book. As you read, you’ll be inspired and motivated to implement her techniques and become more of a connector.
Sadly, you can’t go to the store and buy social stardust. But you can learn the secrets of Super Connectors and adopt their ways. The results are more than worth it: success, happiness, and contentment.
If that sounds good to you, get The Connector’s Advantage. I highly recommend it.
