Scott Gerber - be a "connector" not a "networker"

Scott Gerber is CEO of The Community Company, an organization that builds and manages communities for global brands and media companies. Examples include the AdAge Collective, the Forbes Councils, the Business Journals Leadership Trust and the Young Entrepreneur Council, an invitation-only organization of some of the world’s most successful young entrepreneurs.

Scott is also a public speaker, syndicated columnist and author of “Never Get a ‘Real’ Job” and co-author of “Superconnector” - all about building business relationships that matter. He joins Look Left’s Bryan Scanlon to talk about the impact communities can have on your career and offers a few dos and don’ts for making the most out of the experience. 

00:35 - On the importance of making mistakes -- and not making the same ones twice.

02:35 - The best entrepreneurs aren’t necessarily risk takers, they’re risk mitigators.

04:58 - Entrepreneurs can’t surround themselves with yes-men. Success requires a trusted circle of people who will not only have your back, but also call you on a bad idea.

14:23 - Communities of peers are important, but to be of value, they must be organic in nature and be more than just a collection of people.

20:58 - Being a valued part of a community -- and getting the most out of it -- starts with having a “giver” mentality.

23:5 - When part of a community, you want to be a “connector,” not a “networker.”

31:00 - Small, impactful circles of peers are more important than vast networks on social media.