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Some are naturals, but everyone can get better
We were recently doing Relationships for Revenue Growth training for some of the sales force of a large technical company, and throughout the day, we had great discussions about the power of turning business relationships into personal relationships.
For some, making a business relationships personal seems like a daunting task. And for others, it seems like a no-brainer. One participant said:
"I've had a lot of relationships that started out as professional and transformed into personal. I have no idea how I did it. I have no idea when they changed. They just did."
I was thrilled to hear this guy was a natural, and I'm so glad he's out there making business personal day in and day out. But even if you're the type of person who has a little difficulty doing this, please don't give up. Try it. Try it again.
I've done this "networking" or "relationship" stuff forever. I don't even think about
it. It just happens. What we've done with our training to basically say, You don't
have to be a freak like Keith. Let us give you the methodology, some tools,
and some ways in which you can think about stretching yourself a little.
That participant talked about personal relationships developing naturally in his work, but for some
people I know it's a little harder. I just want everyone to push themselves a little
farther each day. You can get better. And whatever progress you make, I think you'll be handsomely rewarded for it.
Posted by Keith Ferrazzi on May 17, 2005 | Permalink
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» It's not personal...it's purely business (or is it?) from life (over IP)
Keith Ferazzi shares on Never Eat Alone the comments of a participant in one of his training seminars: "I've had a lot of relationships that started out as professional and transformed into personal. I have no idea how I... [Read More]
Tracked on May 19, 2005 4:54:42 PM
Comments
Tell your friends, family, associates, clients, what you want and whey will help you get it.
A few years ago, I decided to make a career change from a lucrative position in the pharmaceutical industry to pursue my masters in coaching. After I completed coaching school, I decided to continue my education with a university degree in psychology and journalism. I chose to move from Toronto to Halifax (east coast of Canada) to attend Dalhousie University. I had no idea how I was going to accomplish this move. I knew no one in Halifax and the idea of going there to find an apartment and doing all the things I needed to do to start my new life was exciting but daunting. I shared my excitement and my fears with everyone. The support was amazing - often brought me to tears. Just one example, I had lunch with a long-time colleague and friend, Tina Marie, who was from the East Coast (Newfoundland) originally, and who had worked in Halifax at her first job in the pharmaceutical industry. Tina Marie had friends in Halifax and when I told her that I was looking for an apartment she immediately said, "I know someone who can help. She works at the hospital. She will put the word out that you are looking for a place. Physicians are always going on sabbaticals. She will find you something."
Within two weeks, Tina Marie's contact sent me an e-mail with the name and e-mail address of a physician who needed someone to look after his house while he went on a one year leave of absence. The price for looking after this 3- bedroom house was $375 a month. As it turned out. I was not able to make it to Halifax in time to take up this offer. No matter, my network was at work. Three weeks later, I got a call about an apartment overlooking a lake within walking distance of the university and it was available just when I needed it.
This apartment was only available through referrals and because I had made the contact through a friend of a friend, I had an instant referral. My new friend in Halifax, put me in touch with the lady who was living in the apartment and I immediately sent her an e-mail and started a correspondence with her. I had another new friend. Now, I had two referrals to present to the landlord.
I could go on, and on.
I am constantly in gratitude to the people who surround me. And I have come to appreciate the value of kind words, generosity, and expressions of gratitude. Keith says, you should never eat alone - I would like to take it one step further. Invite your friends and colleagues out for breakfast, coffee, lunch, dinner - whatever -and when you do, be sure to pick up the check. If you can't afford a fancy dinner, take them out for breakfast or coffee. And while you are at it, tell them what you admire about them and give them an example of how they have demostrated this in your life or in someone else's life. Give the gift of kindness and gratitude and you will find it coming back to you. It's a beautiful circle.
Posted by: Faith West | Jun 7, 2006 5:08:08 AM
Hi Keith,
Just wanted to ping you with some praise. The book is fantastic. My older brother referred the Never Eat Alone to me and I am trying incorporate in my everyday life. I was wondering do you have any coping methods when a relationship goes sour or the best approach to give bad news to clients/friends in your seminar?
Posted by: Arthur Zapesochny | Apr 6, 2007 8:33:28 AM
There are an untold number of American companies that would simply cease functioning without well trained networking personal coaches. Others told me that maintaining focused websites will help. Do you think the use of websites like yours will make a difference for a personal coach?
Posted by: personal coaching | Apr 9, 2008 8:05:43 PM
