Connectors, *mavens, networkers, people with a gift for connecting others have a variety of titles. A friend recommended the book Tipping Point, saying, “You need to read this!”  I’ve been fascinated by the concept ever since.

“Connectors are . . . those who know large numbers of people and who are in the habit of making introductions. A connector is essentially the social equivalent of a computer network hub. They usually know people across an array of social, cultural, professional, and economic circles, and make a habit of introducing people who work or live in different circles. They are people who …link us up with the world . . . people with a special gift for bringing the world together . . .  They are . . . a handful of people with a truly extraordinary knack [. . . for] making friends and acquaintances.”

“The social success of Connectors is their ability to span many different worlds – a function of something intrinsic to their personality, some combination of curiosity, self-confidence, sociability, and energy.”

Plaid is certainly a Connector. Plaid brings a diverse group of outspoken, talented, intelligent women together in its platform every month. Professionals, counselors, bloggers, life coaches, all women eager to share their expertise and insights on topics that resonate with us all today.

One of the pure joys of my life is in connecting others. As the quote from Tipping Point states, you must have a wide network of contacts in addition to diverse interests. Fascination with others started early for me. Being different is like a beacon of light, beckoning “Come meet me, learn from me.” Find out how we’re different but more importantly how we’re alike. Those who ‘Tip’ must also possess this same quality of wanting to know.

To be able to connect others when they have need is a gift I’m grateful for. It happens naturally. Having a home in two continents, being an activist locally and possessing a joy and love of learning is rewarding in itself.  According to Tipping Point, great fortunes await those who connect. That’s all fine and good, but when there is no expectation of payback or monetary gain, it makes the connection all the sweeter and more satisfying.

All of our social media platforms are immense vehicles for connections. What’s important is how we use them.  Do we connect with others of similar interests for financial gain, keeping family together, altruistically to help those in need, to share political and even religious views? Nearly everyone on the planet has joined this global connecting network. Where and with whom do you connect? How wide is your circle? Do you promote food, fashion, travel, health and diet? If you’re reading this on Plaid you’re a connector of sorts. To go that extra mile toward the Tipping Point how often do you share what you read with others?

Opportunities galore exist for us to connect with others. Most times positively but other times negatively with quite disastrous and even fatal consequences. It’s become all too easy to gossip, snark, pass cutting remarks to put someone in their place, and bully. We see far too many young people using very desperate means to end the bullying and gossip targeted toward them.

So let’s reevaluate just how we connect. With all the information available to us at our fingertips, let’s make a vow to connect for good. We can better serve our communities and even the world at large by sharing uplifting posts and encouraging generosity, not only of pocketbook but of tongue and spirit. Let’s connect to build and uplift rather than tear down.

If you have a need, an interest, connect with me.  I will most likely flood your message box with links and contacts. TMI perhaps and connection overload!  Not everyone follows up or even acknowledges the connection offered. But as I learn from my faith tradition, it’s the effort, not the result that resonates with God, offering me endless opportunities to continue to learn and share. To hopefully be one who makes a tiny part of this planet a better place through connections.

*ma·ven /ˈmāvən/ noun:an expert or connoisseur/ origin: Yiddish