I can't believe that in nearly 5 years of blogging I've not yet written about being a connector. I guess it's never too late to start.

All of the great networkers I know are also great connectors. Connecting is probably the highest impact thing a networker can do, and it takes so little effort.

So how does one become a connector?

It starts with listening, and it ends with connecting the dots. As you have conversations with people you should be asking them questions and learning about their goals, aspirations and areas where they might need help. In most cases you won't be the person who can help them the most, but you might know someone who can. Where are they headed? What are their biggest challenges? Now try and figure out if you know someone who's been down the road before and has overcome that obstacle in their path. Now all you have to do is make a quick introduction.

That's connecting in it's simplest form. It's just a matter of introducing people in your network to each other based on your belief of who can help each other the most. It doesn't always have to be this direct though. A lot of good connections are made with even less effort.

Host an informal gathering. It could be lunch or a happy hour. Invite people who you think might be in a position to help each other. Look for synergies. This doesn't have to be a big production. Just invite a few friends and allow them the opportunity to get to know each other. Of course it will help if you can introduce them to each other, and you might event suggest one or two of the reasons why you think they should know each other.

Not everyone will remember that you connected them to a great new opportunity. Get over it. Many people WILL, and many of those people will want to find a way to return the favor. They might even make a connection for you.

That's how this beautiful game of networking starts. It doesn't always go the way you'd expect, and often you'll be surprised at the successes and opportunities it brings you.

Start today. Make a connection. Don't know where to start? Picture one friend or new business acquaintenance (the one that just popped into your head right now will do nicely), now think about them and what they're trying to accomplish. Who in your network is in the best position to help them. Now just draft a quick e-mail to introduce the two of them and let them take it from there. Total time = 5 minutes. Total impact = The possibilities are endless!

Happy Networking!