New Year’s Resolutions - we all make them for personal and professional reasons but how many of us keep them? This is typically the time of year that health clubs see a jump in memberships, chambers of commerce and networking groups increase their membership, and business coaches get more clients. The question is how many people actually have a written plan to accomplish those resolutions or goals and stick to them? How many people include creating relationships as part of that plan?
Like most people, in the past, I have written my New Year resolutions down but did not put a written plan together to make them happen. This year, I have decided to put my resolutions in writing with a plan on how to make my goals happen. Staying motivated to keep that plan in motion all year long is the hard part.
Zig Ziglar said, ”People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing—that’s why we recommend it daily”. The same is true for keeping with our goals and resolutions. They must be reviewed daily, put in writing and action must be taken. Have you made a written plan of your goals for 2011 as they relate to your business? Is it specific or general? Does it include creating new relationships or nurturing existing ones?
When it comes to growing your business, one of the factors that has not changed through the years in that it is still about relationships. People still need people as Barbara Streisand sang in the song “People who need people”. This year, make an effort to create relationships and then grow them. Relationships with the right people can make your life richer in every way. There are no shortcuts to creating the right relationships. They require commitment, time and generosity.
Every relationship that lasts is one that you give your time, attention and heart to. Zig Ziglar said it much better than I can. He said “Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile and a grateful heart”.
This year, when you are writing down what you want to achieve in 2011, think about the people you know, the people you want to meet and who knows the people that you want to know. Then make a plan to be where those people are, know what you have to give them and who can help you to get introduced to those people.
Human beings need and thrive on relationships and often believe that they need to be reciprocal to work. Have you ever given generously of your time or resources to someone and not have that returned? Have you ever reached out in friendship to another and found that your efforts fell on deaf ears? Sometimes relationships are not equal but they don’t have to be. What does need to be present is some amount of reciprocity but it does not have to equal and there can be give and take. That is the secret to making relationships work.
This year, I recommend taking the time to determine the type of people you want to meet, who you want to surround yourself with and then do a personal inventory of what you have to offer these people. Look at the network of people you already know and ask yourself which of these people you want to deepen your relationships with. Personal and professional relationships often meld together and this can be a positive as long as the lines are clear. It does not matter if your relationship lives online or offline, you will have to build reciprocity into it. How you do this in a time when everyone is so busy is a challenge but here are a few suggestions to help you create those relationships in 2011:
- When you are networking either in person or online, do it with the intention of building a relationship, not just collecting another name for your newsletter list or business card collection.
- Be a resource to others and give something of value to those you want to grow relationships with. It can be something as simple as a referral to a product or service they need or a free report that is relevant to them.
- Take the role of host or hostess at events and introduce people to one another.
- Remember details about people and follow-up with them asking questions about what is relevant to them.
- Keep in touch with people you want to create relationships with and be consistent and sincere in your efforts.
- Remember to use the name of person you are talking with.
- Relationships take time to build so be patient and remember that all good relationships need nurturing.
Rhonda L Sher: The Sloganator Rhonda L Sher was born talking. She fell in love with words as a child and has never stopped communicating since. Her father once commented that she was vaccinated with a phonograph needle. Not only has Rhonda inherited her father's humor, but it's that quick wit that has become the signature that has helped propel her clients to stardom.Acclaimed Keynote and workshop leader, Rhonda has authored two books, "The 2 Minute Networker" and "The ABC's of LinkedIn," "Get LinkedIn or Get Left Out" as well as numerous action guides, articles, workbooks, jingles and corporate slogans.
In addition to writing, Rhonda uses her gift of gab as a featured keynote speaker, consultant and corporate trainer throughout North America. She has successfully taught hundreds of business men and women on the art of business networking and written hundreds of elevator pitches and slogans.Rhonda's greatest talent lies in her ability to create fabulously catchy slogans that are memorable, upbeat, easy to repeat and create instant brand identification. In addition to the books, audio and video, Rhonda creates slogans and taglines for her clients which are memorable, bring them business and make them, money. She works with you to create a corporate slogan for your business that sets you apart from your competition. Her creativity and energy will tap into your customer's mind and have your phone ringing off the hook with new business.
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