Have you ever met a connector? Are you a connector? Maybe you are a connector in your native language but you don't know how to be one in English.
A connector is the kind of person who knows a lot of people and is always ready to introduce you to someone in his or her network.
Malcolm Gladwell argued in The Tipping Point that connectors are instrumental in facilitating the spread of a new idea.
We know by now that the majority of job opportunities aren't claimed through job listings.
Jobs and other career opportunities are found through connections and the connector is someone who helps others get what they need by making introductions.
Of course, there are many benefits to being a connector, especially when you are living and working in a new country and in a big city like Boston or New York.
What English vocabulary words and phrases do you need for connecting and introducing people in English?
Keep reading to get the answers!
"Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking, "What's in it for me?" - Brian Tracy
How Being a Connector Can Help you Adjust to Life in the US
- Improve your English Conversation Skills and Fluency: I always tell my students that the best way to really improve their English skills is to get out there and practice. You must communicate to be a connector! Connections happen through conversation, preferably in person and sometimes online through networks like Linked In or Facebook. Either way, by becoming a connector while you are living in the US, you win in two ways: you get to help people by bringing them together and you improve your English in the process.
- Build your Intercultural Communication Skills: Since you are living in the United States, you might be wondering how non-verbal communication norms are different when you communicate across cultures. This is a great opportunity to find out! Become a connector while you are living in the US, engage in English conversation more often and return to your home country with new intercultural communication skills. Sounds worth it to me!
- Help Others, Get your Mind Off your Own Concerns: It feels great to help others! If you are living in the United States and you are feeling a bit homesick, lonely or out of place, the best thing to do is to reach out and help other people. Becoming a connector is a great way to do that! Get your mind off of your own problems and focus on what you can do for others. Is someone looking for an apartment? a job? a potential client? Perhaps you can introduce them to someone you know!
- Reach your Own Goals by Helping Others: Even though connectors do not make the efforts that they do in order to get something for themselves, ironically, the connector usually ends up benefiting from connecting others. Perhaps the benefits will not be obvious at first, but eventually you will see them. It's funny how life works that way.
8 English Phrases that Connectors Use:
So maybe you have decided that you want to be a connector, great! But if you are a non-native English speaker, you need to know the correct phrases to use when you introduce people in English and facilitate great connections! Here are a few expressions that you can use:
- "I might know someone who..."
- "Let me introduce you to person's name."
- "Have you met person's name?"
- "This is________."
- "I'd like you to meet person's name."
- "May I introduce you to person's name?"
- "There's someone I'd like you to meet."
- "I would like to introduce you to person's name."
Now you Have the Tools, So Start Connecting!
I have benefited enormously in the past year from the kindness of a few great connectors so I have decided to work toward becoming a connector as well! Why don't you give it a try while you are living in the United States and see how you can help others while building up your own network and improving the quality of your life in a new country! Good luck making connections!
photo credits: jambe and US Embassy New Zealand
