In his bestselling book, The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell identified three personality types that can create and influence social epidemics: Mavens, Salespeople and Connectors.
So, what is a social epidemic and what does it have to do with going viral, how do Connectors influence social epidemics and why does this matter to your business now in this current pandemic?
SOCIAL EPIDEMICS ALSO KNOWN AS “GOING VIRAL”
A social epidemic is the spread of ideas, messages, behaviours, and products through a population in the same way that viruses spread.
Imagine not having to pay one cent on internet marketing again because you as a connector possess the power to relaunch your new idea, creating influence and maximum impact so that your relaunch flies?
Like, I’m talking about having the ability to get the masses to act.
No more having to rebuild or relaunch the old way through social media campaigns, utilising business tools and systems, SEO and emails that never get response to or having to build endless content with call to actions?
Examples of social epidemic successes are Facebook, Selfies or Netflix. Ideas that were launched, went viral and took on a life of their own.
No, they didn’t have a lucky break, connectors were in their midst which made it look like an overnight success.
HOW CONNECTORS INFLUENCE SOCIAL EPIDEMICS
Connectors are individuals that have highly honed interpersonal skills that allow them to have social groups that are four to five times larger than the average person because they take the relationships of those they meet seriously.
They are that highly skilled at interaction through applying targeted questions. People simply adore them for the interest they take in others.
Masters of the weak tie connections (those you meet at networking events or chat to on Facebook, but you don’t have a strong relationship with them more like a casual acquaintance) connectors unlock opportunities in worlds they don’t belong to, worlds of the rich and powerful, cultural diverse communities or ecosystems of influencers.
You have heard of the idea: “We have to make it go viral”, well that is what connectors do by the way they can influence others to accept the idea. Using the 80-20 principle connectors are responsible for the critical 80% mass result which is key for viral success.
To demonstrate this example, Gladwell tells the story of Roger Horchow who was a successful producer from Dallas who produced the Broadway Hit Crazy for You. The show got off the ground only because Roger Horchow had maintained his weak tie connections of high influence and status who were only too happy to assist to establish his credibility as a producer.
Lucky break? I don’t think so.
But it gets better. Connectors are inspired to act to pay it forward enabling them to help others.
One-night Roger’s daughter chose to take him to a Japanese restaurant that was barely on the map. Having tasted the amazing food Horchow went home and contacted acquaintances that he knew that lived by to the restaurant to recommend that they go. But he took it one step further. He began faxing notes to them almost selling the restaurant for the new owner. Next thing you know it became a wild success!
WHY DOES ENGAGING A CONNECTOR OR BECOMING ONE MATTER TO YOU IN THIS CURRENT PANDEMIC?
By engaging a connector to help you relaunch your business and your new idea will as Gladwell puts it, “The closer a product or idea comes to a connector the more power and opportunities it has”.
Let’s face it, to throw money at Google AdWords, SEO, Facebook, Instagram or Linked in Advertising is an expensive exercise before COVID-19 hit let alone now.
By investing in developing your own interpersonal skills to become a connector whilst having a connector help launch your new business idea is hands down the fastest and most powerful to relaunch in this current environment when no one knows if your marketing campaign will land.
People buy from those they know like and trust. The power of word of mouth is the social currency that is behind at least 30% of purchasing decisions.
Through learning how to become a connector, you will develop the interpersonal skills that will enable you to utilise every conversation you have (online or offline) with complete strangers to inspire them to action.
This action could range from purchasing your product or service, an agreement to help spread the word, an offer to introduce you to others who could provide resources or open doors, referrals or share knowledge.
The world with all its uncertainties post Covid-19 calls for safe strategies to relaunch in a way that has not been done for decades.
Should you wish to consider engaging a connector please visit our website: From Survival to Relaunch