Nodes are one point in a network. Using this analogy, masternodes are significant influencers in a network who facilitate other connections.
80% of people are waiting for an invitation to do something.
Something fun to do on the weekend.
Traveling abroad.
Or maybe a dinner party.
The other 20% are masternodes.
These are people who send invitations out into the world.
They host events.
Manage Facebook groups.
Or put you in touch with someone they think you’d be interested in.
I call them masternodes because they do the rare, valuable work of connecting people.
Stumbling upon a masternode is like uncovering a gem. A social gem.
The majority of my social circle can be traced back to masternodes who’ve introduced me to their friends. Meeting my best friend alone has led to tons of new friendships.
As social animals we can’t deny deep-rooted needs for community, belonging and connection.
Even though I’m an advocate of owning one’s alone time, prolonged isolation and loneliness can literally kill.
In this sense, masternodes literally give life to society, in ways big and small.
Sometimes it’s for an important business conference. Other times it’s a party to celebrate life.
Their ability to see connections between people – and acting on them – is a type of social intelligence that’s often under appreciated. Masternodes are often compensated handsomely with valuable personal and business connections. But their work also often goes unnoticed.
Organizing events can require lots of work and background logistics.
Connectors are not always extroverts, and expend considerable energy to bring people together.
If I’ve ever been unresponsive to your invitations and requests, I’m sorry and I want you to know that your work did not go unnoticed. I raise a glass to you.
To the masternodes out there, thank you.
Thank you for introducing me to people.
Thank you for inviting me to events.
Thank you for making life more fun.
Thank you for doing the invisible, often thankless work of being inclusive and connecting people together.