There are three types of people that can help accelerate the adoption of new products or ideas: Connectors, Mavens, and Salespeople. Connectors make change happen through their large networks of people and connections. Mavens make change happen through sharing information and identifying new ideas and trends. Salespeople make change happen through their ability to build rapport and persuade others. The document provides questions to help identify whether someone has the traits of a Connector, Maven or Salesperson.

1. A Maven, Salesperson or
Connector?
There is a small percentage of early adopters that
Gladwell describes as Connectors, Mavens and Salesmen.
Through leveraging the strengths of this group, Product
developers can really accelerate uptake. You can also use
this thinking on internal projects when trying to get
support, you’re always going to have a group of people
that resist even the most benign change. Use your early
adopters and visionaries to help communicate and lead the
way.
 Mavens make change happen through information and
ideas. They are the ones who tell Connectors about
what’s hot.
 Connectors make change happen through people. The
strength of Connectors is that they know and keep in
touch with many people. They also tend to associate
with other Connectors.
 Salespeople make change happen through persuasion.
They can build instant rapport with another person
and gain their trust.
Questions What type are you?
Do you know a lot of
people?
Do you like people?
Do you tend to remember
peoples’ names?
Do you enjoy going to
parties and meeting new
people?
If you answered ‘yes’ to
four or five of these
questions, you are a
Connector.
What type are
you?

2. Do you collect
acquaintances?
Do you enjoy reading junk
mail?
Do you seek out the
specials in your local
supermarket?
Do you tend to watch trends
and know what’s ‘in’?
Do you study the market
before buying a new gadget?
Do you tell your friends
about special deals?
If you said ‘yes’ to four or
five of these questions, you
are a Maven.
Do you find it difficult to
sit still when hearing good
dance music?
Do you have a loud laugh?
Do you touch friends when
you talk with them?
Are you good at seduction?
Do you like being the
centre of attention?
If you answered ‘yes’ to
four or five of these
questions, you are a
Salesperson.
If you picked inconsistent answers, or had trouble picking answers at
all that’s ok! You have skills and are comfortable in all areas.
Source: “The Tipping Point”, Malcolm Gladwell