FROM VISIBILITY TO PROFITABILITY

Learning to build your business not only takes time as you create your business plan and decipher what your vision and mission statements are, etc., but it also takes time investing in relationships. Part of that is just meeting with people one to one; not just for the sake of doing business, but more importantly to strengthen a relationship that will draw a bond of trust. I should also emphasize that it will take more than one visit with each other to solidify a relationship that will become profitable in the long run. Saturday, I spent an afternoon with my coach, who has also become a friend of mine. What was different about this meeting was that it was more than just a time when we discussed about where I was at in my business. I learned a lot about the passions and goals that she has in her own life. I saw a side of her that had been "hinted" to in the past, but never shared with me as in depth as expressed in our conversation that afternoon. I saw what excited her and I learned of her own accomplishments. It helped me to appreciate more of who she is and what she enjoys and desires out of life. I learned more of her personally than I did as a business associate. We have established a relationship that has been full of accountability and hard work from both sides. We trust each other with the work we do for each other. She has helped me with the growth of my business, and I have helped her in administrative tasks and in setting up speaking engagements. We also have established a relationship that goes beyond that as we enjoy each others company through giggles, shopping trips and hugs. What is great about all of this is that when I refer someone to my coach, I understand my coach so well that I can tell another person exactly what she does and how it is beneficial. Because I know her personality as well as I do, I can also sense whether a referral would be a good match for her to work with. It goes both ways. She understands enough about me that she too knows when to pass on a good referral to me. Our relationship is what is considered a profitable relationship. It is important to work on developing relationships that start with a visible greeting and handshake, and turn them into a profitable bond that can benefit both of you. You most likely will not develop a "best friend" relationship with all your business associates, (that's not even realistic) but having a profitable referral partner should be your ultimate goal. The investment will be well worth it!