Connectors...Mavens...Salesmen - Is it in You?

As a student and upcoming professional, I find myself on a constant search to explore the functions, trends and definitions of Public Relations - a field that never ceases to change or redefine itself. One of my most recent readings, "The Tipping Point", by Malcolm Gladwell, analyzes a simple yet far-reaching PR tactic that I often pay little mind. That method is word of mouth.

Gladwell defines The Tipping Point as "That magic moment when an idea, trend or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips and spreads like wildfire. Although he lists several factors that contribute, one of his ideas resonates with me most. He contributes the spread to key players in the population, each with an inherent knack for special skills. These individuals are called Connectors, Mavens and Salesmen.

Connectors possess an extraordinary gift for making friends and acquaintances. They can generally find something interesting in every person they meet and can be traced to many social networks in society. Similar to Paul Revere, who knew prominent figures in the British settlements and alerted key officials of an oncoming attack, connectors have mastered the art of the grape-vine. They have access to the "right kind of people" and make it possible for the message to be delivered to appropriate hands.

Mavens are the researchers of the bunch. They are skilled at gathering information and take joy in passing it on to others.... which is their appeal. They possess the knowledge to pass messages along and possess a sincere interest in seeing listeners benefit from their advice. "There is something about the personal, disinterested, expert opinion of a Maven that makes us all sit up and listen" said Gladwell. I think that he is right.

The last type is the Salesman - masters of persuasion. These individuals possess an unspoken charm and likability about themselves. There have a congenial rhythm in their gestures and speech. People generally cannot resist them.

All three of these types of individuals contribute to the simultaneous spread of certain messages throughout a population. Do you possess the natural traits to fit in any one of these categories? If so, which one(s) and what role might you have played in influencing "The Tipping Point"?