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
Airbnb cleaning service Glenview ..There are only a handful of car wash franchises in... Read More
If you're serious about wanting to start a business, the... Read More
Incredible as it sounds, you have a goldmine of free... Read More
Time. As a small business owner, it's the commodity you... Read More
Many years ago, I had warned the carwash industry of... Read More
Last week's question from Anthony R. on how to choose... Read More
Small business owners often enter their field with great expectations.... Read More
WHEN you are operating or planning a small business that... Read More
We love Wichita because it has great all round weather... Read More
Mobile detailers will find themselves with lots of competition even... Read More
How is your pipeline structured?I assume most of you have... Read More
In a perfect world, starting a small business would be... Read More
Opening a carpet cleaning business is a great way to... Read More
What are the best methods for keeping a good business... Read More
We were more than excited. Our women's doubles tennis team... Read More
When working properly, computers enable small businesses to make big... Read More
It seems so long ago that I started my first... Read More
After over thirty years advising small business it still comes... Read More
How careful are you with the data you collect from... Read More
If you are a motorcycle detailer and need to expand... Read More
To have one of the popular in home daycare businesses.... Read More
There are countless ways to save your business money. Unfortunately,... Read More
Thinking of starting a business on line? If so there... Read More
-- The One Pager Shortcut Series --An effective and compelling... Read More
SBIR vs. STTR: If you are participating in the SBIR... Read More
efficient cleaning crew Highland Park ..Setting priorities in your business? Your first job is to... Read More
While I was hard at work last week, an everyday... Read More
Small Business, Big Business ? What's the Diff?Well a lot... Read More
If you are looking for a way to own your... Read More
Want your small business to flip instead of flop?! Statistically... Read More
Traditional advertising methods are still being used for almost 90%... Read More
The FTC- Mighty Federal Trade Commission has unilaterally decided to... Read More
The air in my client's office nearly crackled with her... Read More
As an entrepreneur you can learn a lot by following... Read More
A common hazard faced by new entrepreneurs is a lack... Read More
People will always stress that having a well researched business... Read More
When a regulator finds a target to go after to... Read More
Often smart entrepreneurs look for out of the way businesses,... Read More
Not sure how to start a small business? This guide... Read More
One of the major complaints in the QSR Quick Service-Fast... Read More
In the first part of this article I put forward... Read More
In many industries, image is one of the last things... Read More
Many new ventures are preoccupied with all the money they... Read More
Recently one of my customers told me the chaos swirling... Read More
Why does research and education play an important part of... Read More
1. Don't Spend Too Much Time PlanningWhen you are entering... Read More
Everyday, customers and business owners are bombarded with billboards, logos,... Read More
If I had $1.00 every time I heard someone say... Read More
How to identify future solutions and opportunities?Your power page, if... Read More
A recent survey indicated that clean Taxi Cabs Fleets have... Read More
Small Business |