Route 66 - The Journey Toward Success
Be A Connector
Help others to help yourself. To succeed in business you need to develop a habit of discovering how you can bring value to other people. One of the best ways that you can become a a valuable resource is to become a connector. As you begin to grow your network of personal and professional contacts, opportunities will materialize where you can introduce people to do business together. When you see a possible link, do not hesitate, connect the dots....even if there is not a direct "pay-off" to you!
Many people over analyze the thought of introducing people in their networks. They either believe that they are imposing on their friends, or they pre-judge the importance of the connection. When you do these things you will fail to follow through, and thus the possibilities are lost to everyone. The right thing is to put them together and then step out of the way.
This does not mean that everyone you connect will lead to a business deal, but sometimes they will. I have never met anyone who was not happy for an mutually beneficial introduction.
A childhood friend recently called to say her family was moving across the country to take a new job in the city where I live. They were coming for a house hunting trip, and mentioned that they were not happy with the relocation realtor that her company had provided. I immediately told her that I was a close friend of Chad Goldwasser, one of the top real estate agents in Austin, Texas. Chad's company, The Goldwasser Team, is a national leader in the Keller Williams organization.
She decided to make the change, and Chad and his buyers agent took over the quest to find the perfect home. Alas, she was thrilled with the customer service and personal attention that her family received from The Goldwasser Team, and purchased a wonderful new home.
Everyone wins when you make a connection. Sure, I could have said nothing when she was lamenting about her house hunting dilemma....but because I spoke up she has her dream house, and Chad has a happy customer.
You need to look for ways to be a connector and then take the appropriate action to facilitate introductions. Some might argue that it takes too much time to do such things when there is no direct pay-off. I cry fowl at that. If you think that direct compensation is necessary for every action you take, then you are a selfish person. Instead, find ways to help other, and you will be surprised by the indirect ways that you are rewarded throughout your lifetime. What goes around comes around!
Have A Great Day.
thom
www.thomsinger.com
Hey Thom,
ReplyDeleteLike you, I never even think of whether or not there's direct compensation for anything I do.
I just keep shootin' and rely on higher powers to keep score !
I'm loving these 66 tips !
Thom, what do you do when you know many people who do the same thing (Real Estate Agents, Bankers, Accountants)?
ReplyDeleteBrian Oates
www.Daxle.net
Brian-
ReplyDeleteI always find it is best to know more than one person in an industry and to refer both at once. Each of them will be happy for the referral, and it allows your other contact to make a choice. But be sure to tell the real estate person, lawyer, or accountant that you have also referred the contact to their competitor. If they have an issue with you doing this, they are not a good one for you to refer to at all. They should welcome the competition. It is not your job to win them the business.
Thom, it is remarkable to me how often you come back to core principles that are probably being taught in kindergarten. I'm not dissing what you have to say but, rather, how long it takes us to get it. Here you have written a little essay on this kindergarten truth: we are help each and we share we each other because it's the right thing to do. If enough adults really got it we would not need people to remind us. But, alas, we do. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteCraig