Jami Mullikin is a connector. As a self-proclaimed odd duck, he’s always eager to meet other odd ducks. As a result, there’s a high likelihood there are only a couple of degrees of separation between you and Jami and everyone else on the planet. With a background in graphic design and corporate marketing, he is a three-time agency owner who recently launched a new venture, Stellar, a recruiting agency that specializes in matching talent with jobs in the creative industry.
How did you become an expert connector?
I’ve always been this way. Even in high school, I had friends from all different cliques, and I easily navigated those relationships. I’m highly extroverted and curious, and I love getting to know people, trying to find a way to connect without manipulating the conversation.
What’s the power of connection?
As humans, we’re wired for it. We need connections; it’s a concern I have right now. Of course,
you have different personality types and different ways we gain and lose energy, but we’re
hardwired for relationships. The power is in building community so you can help people when
they need it. Selfishly, if you can make money from it, that’s great. For example, it took a friend
who knew me well to tell me he thought I could do really well in this business. This came about
because of a connection with someone who saw a strength I didn’t. There are broad connections and deep connections. Broad connections expand your opportunities, and deep
connections expand your relationships.
How have you found coworking space valuable?
I’m someone who has always enjoyed going to the office. I’ve had all kinds of experiences, from plywood desks to nice offices, studios, cubicles, offices that were too big, and open
environments that were too open.
But I need the routine, and the commute helps me relax.
When everything blew up and we all started working from home, I was okay because I had a good setup, but the isolation was crushing my soul. I wanted to be around other people, so my plan was to check out some coworking spaces and hop from one to another.
Now that I’m recruiting, I need to build my network, so I’m not renting space where my friends are. I chose a coworking space where I didn’t know anyone; I was curious to see what kind of community I could build.
What’s the business case for coworking spaces?
Building a network, connecting with people, and being in a space where random things can happen that wouldn’t happen at home. Density is really important because you have to have a density of relationships for dynamic things to happen.
How do you determine which connections are valuable – and how do you define “valuable”?
One of my core values is everyone is worthy, so every connection is valuable. People reach out when they’re at a point of need, and if I can connect the dots for someone, I’m doing what I’m wired to do.
There’s value in connections that allow both of you to go somewhere you couldn’t have before. Plus, there’s value in human connection; just talking to someone and understanding their story is valuable.
As a recruiter, the next connection could be life-changing for both of us. I go into every call knowing it could change the trajectory of someone’s life. That’s far more valuable for me, knowing I can find someone a place that’s a great fit for them, than thinking about the money.
Why should founders care about making connections?
One of the loneliest places to be is a founder. We need to be connected to people who can help us manage. As a founder, it’s my experience that talking to people and hearing different perspectives is so important. One thing I’m confident about is I don’t know what tomorrow brings.
Having a network allows us to shorten the duration to success. If I have a problem and I can talk to three or four people and get an answer in a day, it’s so much better than losing sleep trying to figure it out on my own.
If you’re trying to solve a problem, why not throw a phone-a- friend out there? You need a network of people who are just a text message away – cheerleaders who can support you when you’re down. It’s a safety net
What’s the best way to go about it?
Remember that most people aren’t scary; we’re all just human. If you approach someone with natural curiosity, we can all learn from each other.
My first job was selling copiers over the phone, and I realized that making connections can also be a necessary grind. You just have to have discipline.
Writing a list of three people and calling them isn’t enough of a plan; you need to have a list of 100 people, and that’s your work for the day.
There are a lot of ways founders can get stuck, and you can get a lot of snakes in your head. When you have a problem, ask who can help you. People don’t bite...most of the time.
Remember that most people aren’t scary; we’re all just human. If you approach someone with natural curiosity, we can all learn from each other.