Wednesday’s post generated interesting responses. People want to build stronger community connections but aren’t sure about their own role or what types of people they need around them.
This isn’t really about economic crisis – it’s about understanding how effective networks function. Whether you’re starting a business, organizing a neighborhood initiative, or just wanting more resilient relationships, the same principles apply.
Think of it like building a team. You need different personality types and skill sets to create something that works under pressure.
The Five Network Personalities
The Problem Solver
Core trait: Sees solutions where others see obstacles What they bring: Creative thinking, practical skills, resourcefulness Network role: The person everyone calls when something breaks or needs figuring out
Problem Solvers don’t just fix things – they understand systems. They can improvise, adapt, and find workarounds. These are your engineers, mechanics, craftspeople, and anyone who thinks with their hands.
You might be a Problem Solver if: You enjoy taking things apart, you fix more than you throw away, people ask you for technical advice.
The Connector
Core trait: Knows everyone and remembers everyone’s strengths What they bring: Social intelligence, relationship building, community knowledge Network role: The person who introduces you to exactly who you need to know
Connectors are natural networkers. They remember that Sarah grows amazing tomatoes, that Mike knows electrical work, and that Jenny’s cousin runs a catering business. They see opportunities for mutual benefit.
You might be a Connector if: You enjoy introducing people to each other, you remember personal details about acquaintances, you often say “I know someone who…”
The Organizer
Core trait: Creates structure and gets things done What they bring: Planning skills, follow-through, coordination abilities Network role: The person who turns ideas into action
Organizers make things happen. They schedule meetings, coordinate group activities, and ensure projects actually get completed. Without them, networks remain just collections of good intentions.
You might be an Organizer if: You use calendars and lists religiously, you volunteer to coordinate group activities, you follow up when others don’t.
The Expert
Core trait: Deep knowledge in specific domains What they bring: Specialized skills, professional insight, technical knowledge Network role: The person you consult for serious decisions in their field
Experts provide the specialized knowledge that generalists can’t. This includes professionals like doctors, lawyers, accountants, but also skilled tradespeople and experienced practitioners in any field.
You might be an Expert if: People seek your advice in your field, you’ve developed mastery through years of practice, you stay current with developments in your area.
The Supporter
Core trait: Provides stability and encouragement What they bring: Emotional intelligence, reliability, perspective Network role: The person who keeps the group grounded and motivated
Supporters are the backbone of any network. They provide emotional support, maintain relationships during difficult periods, and help resolve conflicts. They’re often undervalued but essential for long-term network stability.
You might be a Supporter if: People confide in you regularly, you help mediate disputes, you check in on others during tough times.
Why Diversity Matters
Effective networks need all five types. Here’s what happens when you’re missing key personalities:
No Problem Solvers: Everything becomes harder than it should be. Simple fixes become expensive professional calls.
No Connectors: The network stays small and insular. You miss opportunities and resources.
No Organizers: Great ideas never get implemented. Meetings happen but nothing changes.
No Experts: You make costly mistakes in areas requiring specialized knowledge.
No Supporters: The network fractures under stress. Relationships become transactional rather than resilient.
Know Your Role, Fill Your Gaps
Most people naturally gravitate toward 1-2 of these roles. The key is understanding both your strengths and your network gaps.
If you’re a Problem Solver: You probably need more Connectors and Supporters to help you find resources and maintain relationships.
If you’re a Connector: You might need more Organizers and Experts to turn your introductions into meaningful outcomes.
If you’re an Organizer: You likely need Problem Solvers and Experts to provide the substance behind your structure.
If you’re an Expert: You probably need Connectors and Supporters to help you share knowledge and build broader relationships.
If you’re a Supporter: You might need Problem Solvers and Organizers to help translate your insights into action.
Building Your Team
The strongest networks aren’t random collections of friends – they’re intentionally diverse groups that complement each other’s strengths.
Start by identifying your natural type, then look for people who fill the gaps. This isn’t about using people – it’s about creating mutually beneficial relationships where everyone contributes what they do best.
Quality Over Quantity
Here’s something most networking advice gets wrong: bigger isn’t better. Your time and energy are finite resources. You can’t build deep, functional relationships with dozens of people across all five types.
Think of it this way – your core network is like your inner circle. There’s only so much room, and every person you include should genuinely add value while being someone you can count on when it matters.
Look for people who demonstrate:
- Follow-through on commitments, even small ones
- Genuine reciprocity – they help others, not just seek help
- Reliability during both good times and stress
- Complementary strengths that fill your actual gaps
The MTWX Solution
This is exactly why we’re building the MTWX networking platform. Instead of hoping you’ll randomly encounter these five personality types in your daily life, what if you could systematically connect with people who:
- Have verified skills and interests
- Live in your geographic region
- Are actively building mutual aid networks
- Share your commitment to community resilience
The platform handles the discovery problem (finding these people), the approach problem (natural introduction through shared interests), and the organization problem (structured opportunities to build relationships).
Monday’s post: How the MTWX networking system works and why it’s different from social media or professional networking.
Which type sounds most like you? Which types are missing from your current network? Email your thoughts to george@mtwx.ca