Value, value, value your relationships. Sometimes people qualify a person before they value them, or not. Can they give me something? Can they do something for me? What will I get out of it? How much money do they make? How much money are they worth? I believe that if you value relationships of those you’ve had the privilege of interacting with, then you’re going to get more out of your business. You see, when you value a relationship, you’re telling that person that they matter more than the sale and getting to know them matters more than if you get the business.
What I have found and know, not only personally but from working with thousands of people, is when you value relationships, not only do people feel that, but they appreciate that. They’ll remember that and they’ll test it. When you own a business, people get nervous that you’re going to sell them all the time.
The greatest relationships are when they know you have something to offer. The key is not to offer though. Let them ask you. And if they never asked, that’s okay too. Value the relationships. When you’re sincere and valuing people for who they are—not for what they can do for you—people will feel that, and they’ll want to be around you.
When I was president of the National Speakers Association (NSA) Minnesota Chapter, I often got phone calls and emails from people who were curious if they should get involved or not. Unfortunately, one of the first questions is, “What will it do for me? Will I get more business? Will I get referrals?” I tell them no, but you will get learning, education, and a community. Now, a side benefit to building those relationships and showing up and giving back is that occasionally people will say to me, “Hey, Annie, I have a speaking engagement I can’t do, would you be interested?”
I never became a part of NSA for what I could get, but instead for what I could give? Who could I be around? How could I give back to this community that I care about that’s been there to support me and educate me on my journey to becoming a successful motivational keynote speaker. And because of that, I want to give back. When people are looking for “what’s in it for me,” they lose the fact that just being there, you might gain a relationship, maybe even a friend, maybe even a lifelong friend. The speaker world is such a beautiful world because we understand each other’s businesses, which is unique to other businesses. It’s a great place to build community and connections.
I believe people are so quick to look for that sale, they forget that it’s about the relationship. Take time to get to know people that you meet, find out about their families, their hobbies, their interests, find out if they like to go to the theater, maybe you love that too. You see, when you start to look at relationships as a gift, an opportunity for a friend, well, that’s more valuable than a sale even. However, if you don’t value your relationships, if you’re insincere, you may get the sale, but it won’t last. They won’t refer you. They’ll know that you were insincere, that it was all about what you could get out of it, rather than what you could give.
If you want to sustain success, genuinely care about the people you meet, build lifelong relationships. Ultimately, it will reward you, but don’t do it for the reward. Do it because you care about them, and you want to give to them and connect with them. Eventually they may want to connect with you too.
Sustaining relationships, connecting and being intentional about them is how you create success and sustainability as a business owner.
What Relationships will you make intentional time for this week? Who will you Mentor? Who mentors you? Who will you make time to pray for? What is your most Valuable Relationship? #relationship#qualitytime#connection
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