Lines Not Dots, Building Your Narrative

The 'Lines Not Dots' Analogy

Imagine every online interaction you make as a dot. Now, if you were to connect these dots across the timeline of your career, they should form a line — a coherent narrative that captures your consistent dedication and growth. This line is what attracts investors and influencers, who often prefer a solid track record over random instances of success..

The Significance of Each Interaction

Every like, comment, share, introduction or other engagement represents a dot. On its own, a single dot has little meaning. But when many dots are strung together, they start to form lines that demonstrate genuine interest, commitment and value.

Lines represent relationships, narrative and personal brand. Just as intricate drawings are made of many pencil marks, your network and opportunities are built through small, incremental interactions.

The Compounding Power of Consistency

The key is consistency over time. Random actions may produce a few disjointed dots, but won't lead anywhere meaningful. It's the accumulation of focused, strategic dots day after day that gradually form strong lines of connection.

This emphasizes patience and persistence. Lines take time to develop - yet each interaction brings you incrementally closer to your goals. Progress often happens slowly at first. But as your lines lengthen, new possibilities open up exponentially.

Making Every Interaction Count

Every comment you leave or content you share adds up. These micro-engagements paint a picture of what you stand for and contribute to your overall professional image. Strategic engagement means every action online should align with your professional goals and enhance your expertise

Evaluating Trajectory and Impact

It's important to periodically evaluate the shape and direction of your lines. Are they leading to your desired targets? Do they reflect authenticity or come across as random? Adjustments may be needed to strengthen certain connections.

The quality of each dot also matters. Thoughtful comments or shares based on common interests have far more impact than automated likes. Keep taking small but deliberate actions to extend your high value lines.

The Long Game of Compounding Connections

In a hyper-connected digital era, it's easy to get distracted by the dots of others. But the only lines that truly matter are your own. Rather than compare, stay focused on consistently adding value.

With time and sustained effort, the dots coalesce into lines that build trust, demonstrate commitment and open up unexpected opportunities. Small actions create substantial impact - keep your eyes on the horizon and continue putting yourself out there one dot at a time.

To ensure that your digital presence is more of a 'line' than a 'dot,' start by reflecting on your professional goals and then engage with your industry online in a way that showcases your journey towards these goals. Remember, in the digital age, your online narrative is your professional legacy.

Here are some key benefits of focusing on lines over dots:

• Shows you're reliable, consistent, and committed for the long-haul. Dots could just be flukes or one-offs!
• Goes beyond achievements to document your evolution - how you got from A to B. The dots alone don't tell that growth story.
• Makes you look attractive to potential partners/employers who want to see sustained effort.
• Ultimately becomes your professional legacy and brand versus just isolated, ephemeral dots.

Some tips on how to put this into practice:

• Be strategic with online engagement - does this reinforce my narrative? Don't just scattershot content.
• Connect with people who can mentor you and open doors in your field. Relationships are key!
• Share insights that truly reflect your expertise and interests. Don't just chase trends.
• Engage in conversations that matter in your industry. Move them forward thoughtfully!
• Remember it's a marathon, not a sprint! Consistency over many years is key.

Mental Model

Here is a simple metal model that captures the process of building connections and opportunities through small, incremental actions over time:

• Each action (like, share, comment, etc.) is a "dot"
• Dots by themselves have little impact or meaning
• But over time, dots connect together to form "lines"
• Lines represent sustained effort and demonstrate commitment
• Lines build relationships and trust
• Lines open up opportunities for collaboration and growth
• Lines shape your personal narrative and brand
• Stay focused on where you want your lines to lead
• Be patient - lines are formed gradually through many small dots
• Persistently add dots through authentic engagement and value creation
• The more quality dots, the stronger and wider your lines become
• Evaluate your lines periodically to assess progress and trajectory
• Keep taking small actions to steadily strengthen your lines over time

In summary, this metal model emphasizes the compounding power of small, consistent actions in forging meaningful connections and advancing your goals. Each dot counts, so persist in putting yourself out there. Stay focused on the big picture trajectory, and let the small steps accumulate into lines that open up new possibilities.

Let me know if this concept resonates with you! I'd love to hear your thoughts and brainstorm how we can be more intentional about crafting our professional narratives online.

The dots we post today could be part of a line that leads to exciting things down the road!