Now that I have your attention, I'm sure you want to know what Kevin Bacon can offer women in business? It was in 1994 that the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon game was invented by three college students who after watching several Bacon movies speculated that he could be connected to just about everyone in Hollywood. Fast forward to 2015, women in business must think about this phenomenon and how it can be used successfully with LinkedIn.
Kevin Bacon took advantage of this party game and launched the SixDegrees.org charity. This 20 year old charity has raised more than $3M to support grassroots causes. Bacon who commented he really didn't like the concept of the game initially realized the power it created and used it to make a difference.
So, why am I talking about Kevin Bacon and party games in a business blog? Because I know from my experience as a business coach, mentor, and adviser that women in business, in particular, are not take advantage of their connections to change their circumstances.
I grew up with a Dad who understood the power of connection and he taught me that there was no person, regardless of their station in life that was not important for me to know. One never knows where someone will end up 10, 20 or even 30 years later in life. I do know, however, that if you cultivate relationships over a lifetime you will have the opportunity to connect with almost anyone on the planet if you need, or WANT to, at some time in your life.
LinkedIn, launched in May 2003, now reports more than 347 million users worldwide and growing. As a woman in business for more than 30 years I can't tell you how much I would have relied on LinkedIn in the past. But, today I am shocked at how some women in business feel uncomfortable with it. I realize not every girl was brought up by a Dad who encouraged interaction with strangers. My Dad believed that most people were good and that it was a lot better to assume the best in someone than it was to assume the worst. Therefore, I am open and friendly to everyone I meet and am always willing to lend a hand when asked. I do not look for ulterior motives when asked for something. It is more important to me to be seen as someone who cares about benefiting my connection than looking out for myself.
If this all sounds too Pollyanna to you than I am sure that you are not well connected. I know CEOs that have spent their life in corner offices and only know other CEOs. Believe it or not, these connections are not as useful as you might think. The CEO sandbox isn't comfortable when you get sand kicked in your face. And, if these are the only people you are connected to there won't be anyone, except maybe your Mom, to pick you up and brush you off.
Social media and social networking are part of the business landscape today and if you are not taking part you are putting yourself at a disadvantage. I have spoken with women in business who tell me they "don't want to be seen as name-dropping". Are you kidding me? Knowing someone of power or influence and being afraid about acknowledging it is about your lack of confidence not your fear of being connected. I'm proud of knowing the terrific people who have come in and out of my life. I feel that it has been an honor to know them even for a short while and if I can offer to connect the appropriate person to them I will do it. It is not taking advantage of a connection if you truly believe the connection is mutually beneficial.
So, women in business, get out of your own way. Start using your connections wisely, if you have them. But, if you don't have them start connecting today. Learn to listen to people and learn what makes them tick. I have found that most people are not that different. Men and women are all just looking to do their best. for the most part. and make every day just a little bit better than the last.
Start making a game of it. Perhaps, it won't be six degrees of Kevin Bacon, but three degrees of YOU. LinkedIn has made that very possible, but if you don't plan you can't win.
