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- Be a dot collector
I write weekly about the strategies, habits, and tactics around cultivating the connections that matter to you.
Have you ever wondered why Steve Jobs could connect seemingly unrelated ideas into revolutionary products? Or why some people seem to know everyone and everything across multiple industries?
They're dot collectors.
I was chatting with a friend recently about the winding path that led to my current work. As we traced the zigzag of connections and decisions, it reminded me of Jobs' famous quote about connecting the dots looking backward. You know the one - you can't see how dots connect looking forward, only backward. Sorry, the thought of copying and pasting this quote yet again is untenable for me.
But Dharmesh Shah of HubSpot flipped this idea in a way I love. Instead of just connecting dots in retrospect, he suggests we should actively be "dot collectors" - gathering varied experiences, relationships, and knowledge that might someday connect in unexpected ways.
Why collecting matters more than ever
In our hyper-specialized world, many of us have laser focus on a single field or skill. And while depth matters, breadth creates magic.
Think about it:
My co-founders? Met them through a random website I started, not at an industry conference
Random people reaching out to me? Often about a children's book I wrote years ago that has nothing to do with my "day job"
My wife? Met her through a student group completely unrelated to my career
None of these connections would have happened if I had stayed in my lane.
How to become a better dot collector
Follow curiosity outside your field Interested in pottery but work in finance? Take the class. The creative thinking might transform how you approach problems at work.
Collect people, not just knowledge Relationships across different spheres create unexpected opportunities. The scientist who knows a filmmaker who knows a business leader - that's where innovation happens.
Say yes to the random coffee That meeting with no clear agenda might introduce you to your next business partner, mentor, or friend.
Document your dots Keep track of interesting people, ideas, and experiences. I use Relatable for that (naturally), but even a simple doc does the job. Just note down fascinating concepts you encounter.
Look for patterns Regularly review your collection and ask: "What connections am I seeing? What unusual combinations might work?"
Remember, the most valuable dots often seem useless at first. That calligraphy class Jobs took seemed pointless - until it influenced the beautiful typography that helped distinguish Apple products.
The next time you're tempted to skip something because "it's not relevant to my work," remember: collecting dots now creates connections later. Be the collector.
What unusual dots have you collected recently that might connect in surprising ways?
Until next week - Zvi
P.S. If your “dots” are starting to look more like a messy collection, you're on the right track.
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Let’s talk about the "not-so-fun" side of relationships — knowing when it’s time to let one go. In this video, I’m sharing the subtle signs I look for and how I handle it with clarity and kindness.
What we’ll cover:
How to spot when a professional relationship is no longer serving you
The 3 red flags that tell me it’s time to pull back
Why “not maintaining” a relationship is different from a dramatic ending
Scripts for saying “no” without burning bridges
Why it’s okay (and necessary) to protect your energy and priorities
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