It’s all relative to the industry. They are in every industry somewhere; most likely in the companies where the greatest opportunity to learn, lead and earn exist. They are too smart; too driven to succeed, and too much in demand to just exist somewhere.
They are good decision makers and leaders therefore they will be in companies that also lead their industry and markets or are poised to do so. They are well known and respected and not that hard to find. Just ask around “Who’s THE BEST” and you’ll hear their name repeatedly.
They all started early somewhere on school campuses making rain in some form or fashion. Whether its athletics, grades, leadership roles, or self funding their education, the evidence of the rain is there as far back as you can see. That’s where the pattern of behavior starts.
They could still be in school leading and learning and still earning their way through; most likely the better schools pursuing the most marketable business or technical degree that offer the best options for their career plan. Even though plans do change, they definitely always have a plan, no matter where they are. Therefore, they will only remain in companies where a good strategy and plans exist. They will surely notice the absence of them and grow restless.
Rainmakers are leaders and yet they also run in packs. Birds of a feather do indeed flock together. King Solomon wrote in the book of Proverbs “As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another.” Rainmakers are also very wise and surround themselves with other highly successful people they can learn from and model. They build strong relationships with equals, mentors and coaches and seek out champions for their outcomes with in their own company and externally in existing or prospect customers.
Mr. Welch adds in his book that “Luckily, great people are everywhere. You just have to know how to pick them.”