“You will get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.”
–Zig Ziglar
Relationship building is the key to success. The best way to build solid relationships is to help others get what they want.
Begin by taking the old adage, “It’s not what you know, but who you know” one step further.
It’s not what you know.
It’s not even who you know.
It’s how you serve who you know with what you know that matters.
And by “helping enough other people” we often think of networking. Yet, as busy as we often are, we frequently put networking at the bottom of the priority list. Maybe it’s because we’re unsure how to do it effectively.
First, frame the term “networking” as a means of forming partnerships. Researchers at Upwardly Mobile and Pepperdine University found that “truly effective networking—networking in the manner of the high earning and high career‐level elite professionals…requires real, mutually beneficial partnerships.”
The optimal words here are “mutually beneficial.” We need to be mindful of what’s in it for the other person, not just ourselves. It’s wise to remember that to give is to receive.
Being in the role of the connector and helping others find solutions to their challenges, positions you as a go-to resource in your industry––and may ultimately be the source of potential leads for your next career move.
When I was once faced with a two-week notice after being replaced by my successor, I turned to my property management contacts. Those who returned my calls first were people I had either helped or had a solid working relationship with.
As I look back at my entire career, I can say without exception, those who responded to my inquiries were people that remembered a special project, favor, or endorsement I had made on their behalf.
Porter Gale, author of Your Network is Your Net Worth, describes how networking is done right: “When you focus on your passions and reorganize your networking around your values and beliefs, you will discover the kind of lasting relationships, personal transformation, and…tangible wealth that are the foundation for happiness and success.”
Women in particular benefit from networking to position themselves for advancement.
In her article, “Solutions to Women’s Advancement,” Barbara Annis says, “Relationships are critical with peers, subordinates, and senior members of teams. All of them need to believe and buy into you. There will be politics, but you have to earn the role and you’ll move forward. And you have to keep asking for what you want.”
It’s also important to choose who you network with. According to American Entrepreneur Jim Rohn, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” As such, SPMs need to be intentional and deliberate about hanging with the right people.
Identify the movers and shakers in your field, those individuals with the values and beliefs that align with your own. Find ways to spend more time in their presence, not only to reap the benefits of their wisdom, but offer to help solve an issue they may be having.
When we have so much pulling at our attention day and night, it’s vital to remember that the human connection enhances our career––and our health and well-being, as well.
SPMs effortlessly connect with others, finding a need and serving someone with wisdom, experience, and our personal take on life.
Remember, when we deliver service with as much care to our clients as we do with our loved ones, this sense of nurturing can be heartfelt by the recipient. Better yet, it becomes memorable to those you serve who then find ways to return the favor.