People talk about relationships being the key to business all the time. They say that who you know is more important than what you know. However, why is that?
This article gives three reasons.
The more connections you have, the more people you can help.
“You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help other people get what they want.” -Zig Ziglar
Many people will engage in relationships solely for what they can get out of those relationships and happily abuse the generosity of others in order to get ahead.
However, this will ironically only end up hurting them. Says Joe Polish,
“The world gives to the givers and takes from the takers.”
Transformational relationships should be about creating a win-win. Therefore, the people you know, the people you can help, and vice versa.
Your community gives you credibility.
In life and business, our reputations are as valuable as money. The more credible and trusted you are among your employees, the more effective you will be as their leader.
By nature, we as people are more receptive to those who we can trust and look up to. When others see that you’re well connected and respected, you’re more likely to be listened to.
So, the professionals you surround yourself with can either enhance or bring down your credibility. Which do you have?
The more people you know, the more valuable you are to others.
Connections are the start of relationships, and relationships generate power. Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Fostering connections with others not only makes you a stronger and better leader, but it’s also an opportunity for both parties to affect positive change in the lives of others. By building more relationships, you expand your reach and the reach of your community.