The Connector’s Advantage: 7 Mindsets to Grow Your Influence and Impact

by Michelle Tillis Lederman

Are you already networking but all that effort is not translating into results? Does everyone seem to be getting further ahead even though you are just as smart? Are you looking for a new job or up for a promotion? Do you have great ideas but no one seems to be listening to them? If any of these situations resonate, this book is for you!

And even if you are already a Connector, this book will help you take it up a level.

Connectors think and act a certain way that makes things happen faster, easier, and often with a better result. This book will explain:
1. Why relationships and connecting are critical to your results, success, and even happiness.
2. How Connectors have a way of thinking and acting that enables stronger relationships.
3. How ANYONE can infuse these mindsets and behaviors into their interactions and see the impact.

Michelle Tillis Lederman has curated connections and includes 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.

Genres: Business, Buisness, Leadership, Nonfiction

241 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2019

About the author

Michelle Tillis Lederman, named one of Forbes Top 25 Networking Experts, is the author of The Connector's Advantage, The 11 Laws of Likability, Heroes Get Hired, and Nail The Interview - Land The Job. Michelle is the founder and CEO of Executive Essentials, which provides customized communications and leadership coaching and training programs. Michelle believes real relationships lead to real results and specializes in teaching people how to communicate with confidence, clarity, and connection.

Her clients include JPMorgan, J&J, Deutsche Bank, Target, MetLife, Sony, Ernst & Young, and Madison Square Garden. Passionate about education, Michelle served as an Adjunct Professor at NYU, on the faculty of the American Management Association, Lehigh Executive Education, and Rutgers Executive Education and the advisory board of Kean’s Global Business School.

A regular in the media, Michelle has appeared on or been quoted by CBS, NBC, Fox, NPR, CNBC, the NY Times, the Wall Street Journal, Working Mother, US News & World Report, MSNBC, Forbes and USA Today among many others.

Michelle spent a decade in finance with positions in audit, M&A, financial consulting, VC, and hedge fund investing. She received her BS from Lehigh University, her MBA from Columbia Business School, and her coaching certification from iPec and holds the PCC certification from the International Coaching Federation. Executive Essentials is a certified Women Business Enterprise.


To learn more about Michelle, visit:
Websites: www.michelletillislederman.com/, www.executiveessentials.org/
Book Sites: www.11lawsoflikability.com/, www.heroesgethired.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/mtlederman
Facebook: facebook.com/MichelleTillisLederman
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/communicationexpe...

Reviews

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

An admirable argument for why we should -- can -- all be better connectors, i.e., networkers. Lederman's clear and simple framework spells out the dos and don'ts of connecting: be open, have a clear vision, believe in abundance, trust, be social and curious, be conscientious, and generous. If the advice is unsurprising, it's nonetheless an important reminder of how we all should behave and often don't in a world that is moving faster all the time and getting grumpier and less generous as a result.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book shortly after moving to Denver, and cannot BELIEVE how much it changed my life. Transitioning from one city to another, where you know literally no one, is incredibly hard, and all the actionable tips in this book kept me sane—they helped me meet people, expand my business, and learn to love my new home city. I grew as a person both personally and professionally reading it and cannot recommend it enough! Five stars!

[Chad Littlefield · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a hyperconnected world, this book speaks powerfully to creating MEANINGFUL connections; rather than just more, more, more connections. Lots of practical tips and insights to make the impact come alive in your own world. Highly recommended!

[Mel Rico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find out if you are with this book.

I didn't think I was and knew I needed to improve and found the missing nuggets in The Connector's Advantage. Being able to breakdown and classify the types of connectors was exactly what my procedural mindset needed. I had a lot of the core elements and was able to analyze how to push things to the next level. Communications, connections, and building a true network is a lost art, reading The Connector's Advantage I was able to fill the gap and get over the fact that I may not immediately have something to contribute but would spend time to learn more and see how I can make the connections. You'll have to remember, there are folks that will ignore you and folks that will respond, not everyone that responds is as giving, just had this happen last night; just get over it and connect with the folks that engage.

First thing to do is drop all your current networking efforts, read this book and learn about what you're not doing, what you'll experience, and what to expect. At the end of the day connect with intent, build a relationship, be genuine, leverage what your already doing but do it in real life!

I can attest to the power of connecting and despite not being deliberate, my continued efforts in finding ways to help others, proof is in that one of the first key quotes in the book came from a connection of a connection that had given me excellent advice about four years ago. As soon as I read the quote, I dropped my tablet and wrote them, then followed up with a continued offer to see how I could help them.

The world is ready for you to connect, meaningfully! If you need help, get this book and find me on LinkedIn Mel Reyes aka mrtech.

[Sarah]

Love the distinction Michelle makes between 'doing' networking and 'being' a connector. The shift is profound on people's approach to building relationships that are essential to life and business. It feels grounded and real, and what the world needs to be reminded of in such a tech dominated and fast pace world. Encouraging a curious and generous spirit which is to everyone's benefit, building a habit of 'how can I add value in any interaction'. Michelle provides a practical guide, backed by real-life applications, focussing on the human aspect of connections which sets it apart. A book I thoroughly enjoyed, and that comes highly recommended from the READ TO LEAD® Community of entrepreneurs and leaders. Thank you Michelle.

[Yongzheng · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Connector’s Advantage completely reshaped how I think about networking, addressing questions I’ve struggled with, like how to handle unresponsive connections, avoid superficial relationships, or find people aligned with my goals. The book’s actionable tips, like focusing on generosity, curiosity, and authenticity, opened my eyes to how meaningful connections can create opportunities and make networking less transactional. The practical insights on overcoming obstacles, such as fear of rejection or introversion, felt especially relevant and inspiring. Michelle Tillis Lederman’s advice is empowering, helping me see networking not just as a career tool but as a way to build lasting, impactful relationships.

[Maria Alejandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different point view about networking and importance of meaningful relationships

This book is a great tool to see the Big Picture about your role in the professional field and the importance of building genuine relationships around you to connect with the world and how can you add value sharing what makes you unique. Michelle shares stories and best practices to help you become a connector with intention and she got the point, Networking is what you do and a connector is who you are! This is definitively a different approach about how you can increase the techniques and ways to connect with other people. Real Networking is all the meaningful relationships that you have.

[Ann D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing how to build long lasting connections is the singular most important skill for career and personal success. Michelle Tillis Lederman’s definitive guide to becoming an authentic connector is an invaluable resource. In her detailed description of a connector’s mindset, Lederman provides valuable examples of best practices that are both practical and inspiring. Of particular note is chapter six on the difference between scarcity vs. abundant thinking. Lederman’s generous and collaborative style as a connector shines through her work. Her clear writing style and chapter summaries make this book an irreplaceable guide to return to again and again.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the Connector's Advantage because of its 11 laws of likability and the end of the chapters reviewing what is learne d. This is a well researched book on authenticity and setting boundaries. There are 5 types of connectors, everyone is a connector and can learn some tips from this book. The non-connector, the global super connector, super connector, niche connecto, responsive connector and emerging xonnector. This is a good guide for anyone learning about making good solid connections and how to deal with setbacks. This has a good section on social media platforms and different types of asks and perstence. I There is lot I learned that works well and different types of personalities. This is a good synthesis of being a connector. She relies heavily on Adam Grant and Marshall Gold smith but with her own twist on things.

[Maria Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent guide for how to network and all the genuine value you can get out of it. Great whether you dislike networking or would like to get better at it to further your goals. It's also a great guide on how to simply connect with others with generosity and authenticity. I loved Michelle's book The 11 Laws of Likability as well and this book gave me so many great reminders as well as new strategies to help with my small business - and simply have richer relationship s, too.

[Cindy Zurchin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Connector's Advantage is a great book to read to support your personal and professional life. The book is an easy and enjoyable read. Michelle provides many specific strategies for the reader to do now and in the future. If you have a positive mindset, a desire to grow and achieve success and happiness I highly recommend you read The Connector's Advantage. It will serve as a source of inspiration and motivation to connect more! Cheers to Connecting!

[Beth Hendler-Grunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend The Connector’s Advantage. As someone who guides young adults to launch their careers, Michelle’s advice is spot on. The importance of curiosity, building relationships, and connecting is the key to success. This book is an important resource for connectors at all stages of their career.

[Omprakash Maniyar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not much to add to what has already been said about the book. Masterpiece of human emotions and desire for answers to questions that many a times have simple answers. Our Artificial intellect discards what is obvious as too simplistic and continues to look for some complex hard to understand answers.

[Ben Rosenthal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of useful information here. It started out kind of slow/without any great information, but it improves. I like that it offers specific examples of networking Do's and Don'ts. A little dry at times, not exactly a page turner.

[Karen Briscoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiration and Insights that transform businesses and lives. Achieve a higher level of success with these 7 mindsets to grow your influence and impact. Karen Briscoe, author and podcast host 5 Minute Success

[John Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this PDF in one sitting. The Connector’s Advantage narrates professional stories in a personal, intimate voice that grabbed me from page one.
I discovered it via book club and everyone was funnily obsessed—we couldn’t stop sharing takeaways.

[Shawn Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

So refreshing to read an author who brings warmth and smarts to every paragraph. She genuinely cares about building win-win relationships.
The synergy you’ll feel from reading this with an open heart is beyond words—it’s magnetic.

[Sheri Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply put, this book helped me break out of my comfort zone, and not in a cheesy “just show up” way. Michelle’s approach is respectful, powerful, and feminine-strength grounded.
Pairing this with your favorite notebook is a must—document moments of connection as they unfold.

[Rebecca Yang · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Good guide to networking with practical tips for approaching conferences, LinkedIn, and all the organic ways we build connections with others.