What's the value you're putting on your relationships compared to the business transaction?

Today’s blog is of a sombre nature.

Earlier today, I received a call from the daughter of a dear friend and mentor of mine. My friend had been involved in a car accident recently and was expected to recover from his physical trauma over the next 6 weeks. Unfortunately in the last day or two, he had taken a turn for the worse and has been taken into the intensive care unit of his local hospital. Currently, we are all praying for his recovery.

Although, we became friends through our respective businesses, as veteran networkers, both of us understood the value of our relationship and have subsequently forged an even stronger friendship. Today’s event has given me a timely reminder of the importance of relationships. I would like to share some of my thoughts with you.

How much value are you putting on your relationships compared to your business transactions?

To create a long-term win for both you and your contact, it is your relationship that will win the day. Your contact will remember you in the long run for who you are rather than what you did.

Business transactions will give you only ephemeral pleasure; valued relationships will bring you eternal joy.

This week think about who you would like to build better relationships with.

• How do you wish to show your contacts how much you value them?
• How will they know that you will always be there for them?
• What creative ways can you find to stay in touch with people you value?
  

Want to find out more about how you can boost your business referrals, then why not book yourself for the Referral Sales Summit on Tuesday 27th June 2006 in Birmingham, UK?