I’ve long struggled for a distinction between ‘schmoozers’ and ‘power brokers’.
Schmoozers are those who have many connections, but who derive relatively little power from their relationships.
Power brokers are those with powerful personal networks.
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You can recognise schmoozers by their tendency to name drop. They tend to be good networkers. You may be dazzled by the people they know. But they hold relatively little power.
Meanwhile, such stories are told about power brokers: a16z.com/2010/04/06/ron
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I think I’ve found an effective test. Ask yourself: “can I be harmed by this person’s network?”
If you can, it’s likely you are dealing with a person who derives power from their network.
If you can’t, this person is a schmoozer.
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Why would you... Harm someone... With your network... Isn't it better to help people....????!?!????
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Not *will* you harm someone, but *can* you. (Or can they harm you, if they wished.) Power implies a non-equal relationship. Potential for harm is one indication of the presence of power.