9/26/2008
What's in a business relationship?
 If you receive the Get It In Writing newsletter, you likely have noticed that each issue ends with what I think is a particularly inspirational quote. In fact, many times I first find the quote and then build my topic of the week around that quote. In a recent issue, the quote, by John D. Rockefeller read like this: “A friendship founded on business is better than a business founded on friendship.” I think you would agree that Mr. Rockefeller was right on the mark with this one. And if you don’t immediately agree, I would urge you to take a few moments and give your past and present business relationships some honest thought. What you may find is a series of business opportunities or projects that could have gone a whole lot better. What do I mean exactly? Most times, our friendships are formed because of shared qualities, experiences likes and/or dislikes. Often we see things from the same perspective and point of view. And although it is great to have this type of shared camaraderie and comfort with another person, it is not always the most effective platform for a business relationship. In business, on the other hand, relationships are often formed on the basis of a need or desire to make something more efficient, more profitable. These relationships sometimes require us to go outside of our comfort zone and look at things differently. They require us to get involved with an individual because of business demands, not because we both love watching football on Sunday afternoons or because our kids go to school together. The best business relationships tend to be more productive since the goals and expectations of the relationships are (in the good cases) clear from the beginning. The emotion involved is based on business aims more than anything else. And the real beauty in these relationships is that in the end, what you may find is a very effective working relationship and a great friend to tailgate with on those Sunday afternoons. Technorati Tags - relationship building,productivity in business, business building, relationships Labels: business building, business relationships, productivity in business, relaltionships |
