As leaders, we are always trying to figure out how to increase our influence. In the November issue of Fast Company magazine, Curt Nickisch profiles 26-year-old Jason Evanish. Jason has become the power broker between technology start-ups and potential venture capitalists in the Boston area.
What makes Evanish unique though is described by Nickish – “In the town that fostered the likes of Facebook and Scvngr, he figured out something nobody thought of before: He who controls networking also controls the network.”
The following are just some of the best practices Jason does to control the network:
- Created efficient networking events rather than confusing meet-and-greets.
- He sees himself as a gatekeeper.
- Arranges appropriate strategic meetings.
- Filters out what he calls “groupies“.
- Protects the most scarce and valuable commodity of leaders – time.
- Knows who to connect and who not to.
- Helps young techies know where the best jobs are.
- Helps companies launch faster.
Reading about Jason Evanish reminded me that one of the primary reasons I have any position or influence at my church is because of a dear friend, Geoff Wiggins.  Once we met, Geoff and I became fast friends. But what makes Geoff unique is that he is constantly looking at people and saying. “You two guys need to get together.”
He did this over and over for me. Because of Geoff, there are dozens of leaders at our church who are more effective and living fulfilling, meaningful lives than would have been otherwise.
Using Jason Evanish and Geoff Wiggins as an inspiration,the following are 5 people you may not know but I feel you should have on your reading list. Each name, listed alphabetically, contains a hotlink to their site.
- Mark Asbell -Â Mark writes the best blog I know of connecting personal finances with healthy marriages.
- Dan Black – Dan operates a wonderful leadership site. Also, please remember to pray for Dan’s family and his new baby boy Logan. You can click here to know their story and needs.Â
- Scott Cochrane – Many Americans may not know Scott but he is the executive director of The Leadership Centre Willow Creek Canada. Great leadership site. Â
- Bryan Loritts – Bryan pastors Fellowship Bible Church Memphis. I feel he will soon be recognized as one the leading pastoral experts in multi-cultural and multi-ethnic ministry.Â
- Lyn Smith – Lyn has an absolutely wonderful site that I recommend for all women. She is also providing a FREE ebook you need to download.
If you don’t know them already, these are five people you need to be reading. They will make you a better leader.
In closing, leaders, I need your help. Help us get better. Please tell us about other great leaders we need to reading.
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