arkansas alumni associationseptember 13, 2013 connectors heather r. nelson connectors - the new...

ARKANSAS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION September 13, 2013

Connectors - The New Model For Engaging and Growing Your Volunteer Base

Heather R. Nelson

Thanks to our sponsors

ARKANSAS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION September 13, 2013

Today’s Punch List

• Connection.

• It is ALL about connection.

ARKANSAS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION September 13, 2013

ARKANSAS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION September 13, 2013

What does it mean to be a Connector?

ARKANSAS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION September 13, 2013

How does Connection and Connectors help your regional group, society, or board?

ARKANSAS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION September 13, 2013

In Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Difference. He realized that he needed someone to help him figure out his next steps. Gladwell describes connectors as those people who know many worlds and can link people to networks they did not know existed. According to Gladwell there are two kinds of connectors –those who are part of your social circle and those whom you have “weak ties.” Both kinds of connectors can expand one’s social horizon.

ARKANSAS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION September 13, 2013

ARKANSAS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION September 13, 2013

ARKANSAS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION September 13, 2013

Connectors are social glue – they spread it.

ARKANSAS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION September 13, 2013

Connectors: “These people who link us up with the world, who bridge Omaha and Sharon, who introduce us to our social circles – these people on whom we rely on more heavily than we realize – are Connectors, people with a very special gift of bringing people together.”

ARKANSAS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION September 13, 2013

So what does this have to do with YOU?What does this have to do with the AAA?

Everything.EVERYTHING.

ARKANSAS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION September 13, 2013

We need more Connectors in our regional groups, societies, and boards.

ARKANSAS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION September 13, 2013

Where to start?Strategic Plan

ARKANSAS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION September 13, 2013

How do you recognize these types in the real world?

Connectors are fantastic at expanding your network. They will say things like:

• “Oh you should talk to …”“Have you heard about…”“Let me introduce you to ..”

• They think in nodes, not individuals, and like nothing more than to help you. They see people first, then money.

ARKANSAS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION September 13, 2013

So here is your task:

• Identify yourself. Are you a Connector?• Evaluate your current volunteer model through this lens.

Are you setting yourself up for success or failure? Connectors build bridges. Is that what you are doing?

• Identify your missing archetype. Do you really need a Connector? Go find them.

• Share and trade your superpower with theirs, and watch your business explode. Profitably.

ARKANSAS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION September 13, 2013