Ideal Connector Traits - Part Two
The shifts of fortune test the reliability of friends - Cicero
A potential connector will make promises. Offering to open a new door. Brokering an intro to an elite company. Auspicious. Exciting. And only worthwhile if these actually happen.
I loved the rush of a conversation with a connector. I dreaded the letdown of unfulfilled commitments. Two days or two weeks after a call and no follow-up. It’s a lousy feeling. Dreams vanishing into thin air. Easy to start self-doubting.
Don’t.
It’s not you.
It’s them.
Not necessarily for any malicious reason. People get busy. Priorities competed. No doubt the potential connector wanted to be good to their word. Things just fell through the cracks. And promises failed to materialize.
Ideal connectors will make good on their offers. They also won’t extend any they can’t see through. These are two metrics for measuring a potential connector’s reliability.
Concurrently, clear and simple asks will increase the chances of success. This will make it easier for ideal connectors to prove themselves. Request a referral for a role at their current employer. If they follow through, this is a positive signal.
Make more time for this person.
Writing off those who don’t follow through isn’t necessary. Everyone deserves a second chance. You just don’t have to get your hopes up.
Other reliability clues include:
Timeliness for calls and in-person meetings. Promptness = dedication to supporting your career transition.
Learning about your background and goals. This demonstrates a level of interest beyond “just another networking call.”
Did their questions show careful listening? Intelligent questions indicate involvement.
Just as you’ll make more time for ideal connectors, they’ll make more time for you. Their commitment to supporting you will be obvious. More people in your corner will get you closer to achieving your goal.