*Jozzua Notes from a Business and Marketing Strategist/Tactician

Are you a connector, maven or salesperson?

One of the most important lessons I've learned from reading the 'Tipping Point' book is that PEOPLE matter. Specific kinds of people matter even more. What are they?

The connectors

I personally know some people who are connectors. They are the ones who seem to know everybody and always remember a little tidbit about someone like their birthdate, what color they liked, where they worked and who they knew. Have you experienced talking to someone you've just met and then asks you... "Hey do you know.. blah blah blah." And you DO KNOW who he/she was talking about? Chances are, that person is probably a connector.

I realized when you are in touch with a huge network of people (for example, entrepreneurs), being a connector could make you stand out. When a friend of mine, needed a projector, I shot it off to my entrepreneur network. When another needed some web design work, I passed it along a web designers network.

I did these and now people seem to come to me for help on various small things. I guess they aremember me because of what I've done. All I really do is hook them up. Introduce them to each other (usually through email).

I guess that's being a connector.

The Maven

Maven's are people who seem to know the best deals in town and are willing to share the info to other people. I know some entrepreneurs who know the right suppliers to approach for various items. They are good enough to tell me detailed information about the suppliers. They share this simply because they like to share.

Ever wanted to buy a computer? My officemate would tell me get this unit at this shop because the prices here are the lowest. They don't have delivery and you have to go and pick the item personally. When we were looking for a router for computer network, he told us to go to Rising Sun computers, which could be found along Shaw Boulevard, Near StarMall Edsa (in the Philippines). He said we needed a linksys WRT45G because of this features.. blah blah.

It's really cool to talk to very informed people who love sharing.

Salespeople

Salespeople have a knack for selling. If you've got an objection with an product, they have a ready answer that would make you at least consider the merits of buying it. These people are the ultimate optimists. They are not only informed about the product, they know the competition and how their product is better than the competition.

If you seen the HBO series "entourage," I see Ari Gold (Vincent Chase' Agent in the series) as the ultimate salesperson. He can be rather annoying but is quite good at what he does. He negotiates quickly and effectively. If I were an actor, I'd really hate this guy but would still want him to be my agent.

So Which One Are You?

For business, I think being either a connector, maven or salesperson is important. Which one are you? If you are not yet one of these, which would you like to be?