What makes a business relationship?
What really makes a business relationship? This may be very hard to define as it goes beyond just meeting the person and chatting about something you have in common. A relationship is developed over a period of time and usually does not happen instantly. I once met a person at a Rotary function and this person was ideal for me as a business partner. I spent some time chatting with him at the event; we exchanged cards and agreed to meet on another occasion to discuss our mutual needs. Approximately 3 months went by before we had a chance to re-connect. At that time we found that we both had a common interest in viewing movies and both our spouses did as well. It was at this point that we decided to go to the movies as a group that weekend. This was the beginning of the business relationship. We had something in common that we both enjoyed. It has now been 2 and a half years later and I am just starting to do business with this person. This story simply means that you do not make instant business relationships, they must be nurtured.
In another example, the process was much quicker. I met a CPA at a networking and problem solving meeting, and we instantly discovered that I had some services he required and we agreed to meet to discuss the project. We also created a business relationship in that I agreed to help his son to write his first book. This relationship took a period of two months, not two years. What really makes a relationship is a common interest or goal and a fit for what you each have to offer. A business relationship is not a one way street, there must be give and take or it will fall apart.
If you have the expertise necessary, the development of the relationship will be shorter than if you have to search for something that will click. Personal interests, the direction you want to take your business, even your focus, all come into play.
Bette Daoust, Ph.D. has been networking with others since leaving high school years ago. Realizing that no one really cared about what she did in life unless she had someone to tell and excite. She decided to find the best ways to get people's attention, be creative in how she presented herself and products, getting people to know who she was, and being visible all the time. Her friends and colleagues have often dubbed her the "Networking Queen". Blueprint for Networking Success: 150 ways to promote yourself is the first in this series. Blueprint for Branding Yourself: Another 150 ways to promote yourself is planned for release in 2005. For more information visit http://www.blueprintbooks.com
cleaning help near Mundelein ..Most business owners do not think of selling their companies... Read More
Tammy, a skilled and gifted horticulturist, called me to discuss... Read More
One way to determine your companies mission statement is based... Read More
WHEN you are operating or planning a small business that... Read More
I only have to point to the 555 plus failed... Read More
First, we need to define the different kinds of skip... Read More
The restaurant industry in the United States employs an estimated... Read More
Now that winter has passed, the annual ritual of spring... Read More
A lot of business owners I've spoken with lately have... Read More
Now that you have invested your time, energy and money... Read More
Your business is making profits, but where is the cash?... Read More
Here are some sound debt collection techniques that can be... Read More
1. Don't Spend Too Much Time PlanningWhen you are entering... Read More
A thing worth doing is worth doing badly. Yes I... Read More
Small business owners can relieve a lot of their own... Read More
The resume writing service serves an important role in the... Read More
What are the best methods for keeping a good business... Read More
In a world full of complications sometimes we overlook the... Read More
Seems as though there are a lot of business closings... Read More
Q: I will be retiring this year at age 60... Read More
Let's face it, we all tend to get stuck in... Read More
In the first part of this article I put forward... Read More
Large corporations use employee manuals to both educate employees about... Read More
I've got good news and bad news. The good news... Read More
CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR INTERN: Specify the number of hours the... Read More
reliable maid service Wilmette ..If you are thinking of turning your current into a... Read More
Q. I am a former pastor who left the ministry... Read More
A corporate shell could be liken to a house that... Read More
Some of the very qualities that attract people to the... Read More
If you have ever had your antique shop or mall... Read More
Most small businesses will not even try to advertise on... Read More
Having their own business is something many millions of people... Read More
The single most important activity you can do in your... Read More
Small business success is very similar to learning to walk,... Read More
Opening a carpet cleaning business is a great way to... Read More
Many smaller businesses choose niche markets for various reasons and... Read More
Early in my career, I wrote an article for a... Read More
Your grandfather probably told you to "learn something new everyday".... Read More
Who is responsible for maintaining the business relationship?Nurturing a business... Read More
One major issue not being addressed right now in the... Read More
If an organization lacks a mission statement, it is worthwhile... Read More
There are almost as many opinions and views on marketing... Read More
Q: I will be retiring this year at age 60... Read More
The American system of business management has been admired and... Read More
$elling $elling $ellingWhat makes a great sales person? Well, the... Read More
As the owner or an employee of a small-to medium-sized... Read More
BioTechs even with the latest news had shed over 1000... Read More
Just recently, I took a break and caught "The Return... Read More
A lot of business owners I've spoken with lately have... Read More
Your on-line success is based on your efforts and yours... Read More
Small Business |