Relationship Matter More Than You Realize

Proverbs 27:17, KJV

There have been countless books written about relationships. One of my favorites, a classic, is Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People. I just started reading another one, Thou Shalt Prosper, written by a Jewish Rabbi. Both of these detail the importance of relationships in business and how they can help you to grow. There is a reason for the Bible proverb "Iron sharpeneth Iron." We must manage the relationships we have, expand on new ones, and continue to be connected to people beyond our Facebook friends.

As I write this I can easily see a sermon coming together in my head about all that God's Word speaks to about gathering and building relationships. They help you grow, help you develop, and help you expand who you are. So what can you do to manage and build upon the relationships that you have?

1) Narrow down the field!

It is ok to say goodbye to some past relationships. Let's be honest, some relationships are like fire and water, they just fizzle out. We spend too much time trying to maintain it when it is just not meant to be. Others are like fire and a firework. No matter how long they sit apart, once they come back together they go off with a bang. My advice, let those past relationships go, it is ok, if they are meant to be they will come together, but if not, just let them fizzle, they won't be missed and you will gain your time back.

2) Maintain the Important ones!

This goes without saying, when relationships are important, you have to work with them and maintain them. Do not be that person that only calls on someone when the need arises. Make an effort to reach out in a real way, not just a Facebook post or Happy Birthday text. I mean a real true connection, pick up the phone and find out how things are going, ask real insightful questions, and do not have a "what's in it for me?" attitude.

Realize, that not everyone is the same way, sometimes you are going to have to be more proactive than the other, but also know when it is time to revert to number 1.

3) Dig deep, or as some have called it "Break bread"

As you find new connections take the time to really get to know the person, listen, and listen some more. Ask questions and listen again. Too many times we get into a conversation and we are trying to convey our wonderful stories or past, but many times people just want someone to listen to them. If you want to get to know someone, spend more time listening and less time talking. If the relationship is going to work, then they will do the same for you and ask insightful questions about you.

4) Get more

You can never have enough relationships. The reason businesses grow is because of them. The reason people are successful is because of who they know. There is a reason so many businesses started from a core group of entrepreneurs at Stanford and it was not because the curriculum was so great, rather it was because of the minds and relationships that were built there. I believe wholeheartedly that schools do not make people successful, relationships do and that can be proven just by studying some people today, who they were connected to, where they group up, and who they associated with.

My challenge for you today to go get out there and build some relationships. If you want to connect with me, I would love to, let's have a 1-1, but please don't try to sell me on your company, let's connect and break bread.