Professional success is important to everyone, but still, success can and does (and definitely should) mean different things to different people.
But one fact is universal. Real success, the kind that exists on multiple levels, is impossible without building great relationships. Real success is impossible unless you treat other people with kindness, regard, and respect.
After all, you can be a rich jerk... but you will also be a lonely jerk.
Here's how successful people build unusually successful business relationships:
1. They help without having to be asked.
It's easy to help when you're asked. And most people will. But some offer help before they have been asked, even though most of the time that is when a little help will make the greatest impact.
People who build great relationships pay close attention so they can tell when others are struggling. Then they offer to help... but not in a general, "Is there something I can do to help you?" way. Instead they come up with specific ways they can help.
That way they can push past the reflexive, "No, I'm okay..." objections and then roll up their sleeves to make a difference in another person's life.
And they do it not because they want to build a better relationship -- although that is certainly the result -- but simply because they care.
2. They take the undeserved hit.
A customer gets mad. A vendor complains about poor service. A mutual friend feels slighted. Whatever the issue and regardless of who is actually at fault, occasionally someone steps forward to take the hit. She's willing to accept the criticism or abuse because she knows she can handle it -- and she knows that maybe, just maybe, the person who is really responsible cannot.
Few acts are more selfless than taking the undeserved hit. And few acts better cement a relationship. Continue Reading...
But one fact is universal. Real success, the kind that exists on multiple levels, is impossible without building great relationships. Real success is impossible unless you treat other people with kindness, regard, and respect.
After all, you can be a rich jerk... but you will also be a lonely jerk.
Here's how successful people build unusually successful business relationships:
1. They help without having to be asked.
It's easy to help when you're asked. And most people will. But some offer help before they have been asked, even though most of the time that is when a little help will make the greatest impact.
People who build great relationships pay close attention so they can tell when others are struggling. Then they offer to help... but not in a general, "Is there something I can do to help you?" way. Instead they come up with specific ways they can help.
That way they can push past the reflexive, "No, I'm okay..." objections and then roll up their sleeves to make a difference in another person's life.
And they do it not because they want to build a better relationship -- although that is certainly the result -- but simply because they care.
2. They take the undeserved hit.
A customer gets mad. A vendor complains about poor service. A mutual friend feels slighted. Whatever the issue and regardless of who is actually at fault, occasionally someone steps forward to take the hit. She's willing to accept the criticism or abuse because she knows she can handle it -- and she knows that maybe, just maybe, the person who is really responsible cannot.
Few acts are more selfless than taking the undeserved hit. And few acts better cement a relationship. Continue Reading...
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