You may have heard the phrase, “It’s not what you know but who you know.” In most cases that applies to the business world. Developing partnerships and networking to broaden your people base is one important component of being successful in your business. It is defined by whom you know. This is never more true than when building relationships.
Finding your Power Partners is not only about you, it’s about them. It is not a one way street in which you ask, “what can they do for me?” Your power partner’s relationships are formed by networking, not selling; those you are selling to are your customers. Your partners are much more than that. Consider the following criteria:
1. Does this person have basically the same thinking as you do? Are their values the same? Ever heard of Bill Gates? What about Hewlett-Packard or Twitter? According to the list in the Business Journal war room, these very successful companies didn’t start out on their own. The partners involved had the same vision and they grew a company together that has made and continues to make millions. Profitability and sustainability.
2. Is this someone you truly want to see succeed? Can you put your heart and effort into helping them? Again, it’s not all about you. The one common theme throughout business is relationships. Legendary business author, Steven Covey speaks of “win-win or no deal” as it applies to all businesses. Whereas you may not benefit immediately, can you benefit in the long run? Risk vs. return.
3. What do you have to offer them? Are you connected to industries that may prove helpful? For example, are you able and willing to go the extra mile to give their business a boost by introducing them to buyers? Can you mentor them and bring them along side your success? Lifetime power partners.
These considerations are just a start, the rest is up to you. Developing a meaningful network is a dynamic process. You will never arrive and you will always need to maintain and grow your networking community. However, you will massage those relationships that prove beneficial and put to the bottom of the list the ones that don’t.
Lastly, while many of your business relationships will cross over into personal relationships, not many of your personal relationships will cross over to business. Know how to keep a healthy balance of personal and business relationships — don’t go to the bull for milk; that means knowing who to go to for what.
At 3rdEagle, we can help you with the “Who.” Contact us and let us create a strategic partner roadmap for your success.