Michelle Tillis Lederman

The Connector's Advantage

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Connectors think and act a certain way that make things happen faster, easier and often with a better result. This book will explain:

Why relationships and connecting are critical to your results, success, and even happiness.
Connectors have a way of thinking and acting that enables stronger relationships.
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How ANYONE can infuse these mindsets and behaviors into their interactions and see the impact.

I curated my connections and include expert advice from over two dozen authors, coaches, and business owners including Marshall Goldsmith, Dorie Clark, Ivan Misner, Susan RoAnn and more.

Regardless of your goal; a job, a promotion, new business, a referral… who you know and who knows you will lead to opportunities. It is the strength of your relationships that leads to your success.

Q&A with Michelle Tillis Lederman

Michelle Tillis Lederman is an accomplished speaker, trainer, coach, and author of four books, including the internationally recognized The 11 Laws of Likability. She was named by Forbes as one of the 25 Professional Networking Experts to Watch. A former NYU professor, financial executive, and recovering CPA, she now works with organizations and individuals to help them build real relationships for greater results through her company, Executive Essentials.
 
Q: What does it mean to be a connector and what are the most important tools to keep in mind when connecting with others?
 
A: A connector is relationship focused in their approach to business to life to everything. When they ask for something or make an introduction, it carries weight and people respond. Connectors get things easier, faster, and better whatever it is they are working on. If you think about the most common things people are working on whether it is a new job, a promotion, getting a client, or even their health and happiness, they will see an impact through the relationships. For example, you are 70 percent more likely to get a promotion if you have a mental relationship. When you have a close relationship at work, you are actually more productive and happier on the job. You'll also have more longevity on that job. 
 
Academic research has found that connected people are happier at work and at home and that organizations that cultivate relationships within their staff are more productive and considered better places to work. Loneliness has a greater impact on mortality than obesity and is equal to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Anybody looking for a new job, you’re not going to get it through the online search or just submitting an application. That's why headhunters are effective. They build a relationship with their candidates and they are able to give a personal referral. People value and trust personal referrals. 80 percent of jobs come through networking. Whatever it is you’re working on, start with a contact because people know things. 
 
Q: The Connector's Advantage talks about the Connector’s Spectrum. Do you believe anyone can become a connector?
 
A: Yes anybody can become a connector. I always say that networking is something we do and a connector is who you are. It is a mindset, it is a way of behaving and interacting and it infuses into all the things that you do. It’s really about building habits and shifting our thinking. That is what the book is about, the 7 mindsets to be relationship-driven and relationship-focused. I always say that everyone has some level of the spectrum. It’s very few people that are truly non-connectors. As we recognize the value of relationships, we are climbing our way up the latter of the Connector Spectrum. The basic four levels of the Connector Spectrum are the non-connector, emerging, responsive and acting connector. When we are thinking about how to go up and be a bigger and greater connector, the first is the tendency to initiate or respond to a connector’s request for help. Emerging is not doing much of it in any direction. They become a responsive connector, and then once we move up a bit further is an acting connector. An acting connector is not just responding but they are also initiating. They see that there is value they can bring and offering assistance and suggesting those connection requests. Once we are acting connection, they next way to climb to the top is the breadth and depth of connecters. When you get breadth and depth you are a super connector. If you cross your country's borders, you are a global super connector.

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Amazon Reviews

Alyssa Dver
5.0 out of 5 stars
​Connection is so key and this book explains how and why
March 6, 2019
Not just because I know Michelle Tillis Lederman is brilliant and lives what she writes, but because she makes a critical and often uncomfortable skill learnable. I study what makes people confident and having authentic, 2-way connections are on the top of the list. Unfortunately, technology has given us easy outs to avoid making real connections. Our on-demand impatience fosters fake associations and not relationships. This book explains the opportunity to be a Connector and gain the rewards associated. An easy read with very easy ways to shift your mindset and behaviors to have more personal and professional well-being. - Alyssa Dver, CEO of American Confidence Institute and author of "Kickass Confidence: Own Your Brain. Up Your Game."

Avid Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Ultimate Guide to Making Connections - A Must Read for EVERYONE!
March 5, 2019
Through The Connector’s Advantage, a follow up to this author's book, The 11 Laws of Likability (one of my favorites!), she reveals that there are unique skills and habits of expert Connectors, uncovering the 7 Mindsets that set them apart. Then, she provides ways to cultivate these mindsets to build supportive, responsive and valuable connections of your own. Easy to read, full of sounds tips and advice, this should be on the desk of anyone who is looking to advance professionally and even personally. It's perfect for anyone looking for a promotion, new job or just to better connect with their network.

Visit Michelle's Website!