Often in networking, as in life, it’s not who you know, it’s how you know them, how they represent you, and who THEY know. In looking at this social graph I am confident that I will be doing business or making high-level referrals for 8 people on this list, in the NEXT TWO WEEKS! That’s money folks!

That’s social media success. That’s LinkedIn for business and connections you can’t make up or fake up in a week or even a year.

• Who do you know?
• How can you help THEM score a new job, a new project, or a new employee?

I am always thinking about my network of close and trusted associates. What can I do to help Pete find a new CEO for his company? How can I help this company find some good people for a marketing team? How are you ADDING to your network of connections? And then, how are you showing up on their radar as a connector?

I Am A Connector

Social media networks and personal branding are all the rage, but the simple process is to do good work, reward good people, and let others know how good they are. And over time, the “love you take, is equal to the love… you make.”

I use LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to mine data, share information, and more importantly, give referrals. I am a referral networker. How about you?

You have connectors in your life. You know them. The minute you have an idea, this person comes to connections.

I bet Pete would know someone who can help.

Yes, Pete is excited to help with any of your ventures. That’s called 100-proof. Do you have a 100-proof network? Are there people you have worked with in the past, who you will call on when you need a rockstar? You want to be a Pete.

In my case, I got a writer a contract with my company. I worked with him over several companies in the last ten years. And guess what? He rocked the role from day one. We all need a stable of talent who can run projects and programs without supervision. Set it. Forget it. Enjoy the results.

Have you recommended a rockstar today?

John McElhenney — let’s connect online
Facebook & LinkedIn & The Whole Parent