When we go into business for ourselves, what is first and foremost on our minds? We are all thinking what is it we need to do to get our business in the minds and hearts of everyone out there so that we become big and successful. Right? And it used to be that the whole "What's In It For Me" mentality worked -- at least to a certain degree. Now, however, watch TV commercials, read memes and posts on social media, and check out the talks people have at networking events, etc. It is all more about creating relationships than it is about forcing business down each other's throats.
Most get this, but all too often, we get so involved in our own needs and wants that we don't take time to think about others and how by helping them, we actually help ourselves as well.
I am always sharing with others what my contacts and colleagues are doing -- whether that's a sale, a party, a conference, or whatever. I totally believe that what goes around, comes around. And when I can support others out there, that's all the better for us all.
Yet when I share and share and share, yet those that I have shared for don't reciprocate, I do get a bit peeved. For they are in the mentality of what's in it for me. They're not happy to help others -- perhaps they're afraid that by doing that, they will somehow lose out on benefits for themselves? Your guess is as good as mine. What I do know is that there has to be a bottom line somewhere. It's great to create and build relationships, but it has to be two ways, not one-sided.
Let's look at a few examples --
1. When I go to a networking event, I will purposefully look for someone sitting alone and acting uncomfortable in the environment. I go up, introduce myself, and ask them what brought them to the meeting. Do they have a business? Do they work for someone that owns a business? What does that business do? Who are their customers and why should I want to know about them? I will spend at least 10-15 minutes learning about their company, and then I will either give them a name of someone that I will send their way, or I will make an appointment to come and visit them to learn even more so that I can share with others. Then, as I'm leaving I will say, oh and By The Way, I own ...... and I'd love to share with you some of the ways that I can support your business. Perhaps we can form a collaboration and work together. Would that be of interest? I most often am then asked to share what I do. This approach has great success for us both generally.
2. On my Facebook business page, I always share events and posts of other businesses that I am close to. By my commenting on what they're doing and how people should get involved here, I am not only helping that business, but when they thank me for sharing, we get a conversation going in which both business fans see what's going on in each others' pages. The sharing builds views and connections for us both and thus gives the opportunity for us all to grow and support each other more.
3. The same is true for all social media. The more you share of others, the more people will see your work too.
What I don't get is why there are some that just won't help another business. They are too busy, they are already sharing others' work, or they simply don't think it's important enough, yet when you offer to support them they jump at the opportunity. The other day I posted on Facebook about the business that has sent me spam, junk, and whatnot for about 6 months on a regular basis. I have read it, shared when I thought it was appropriate, and was supportive. Yet, (keep in mind -- they had subscribed to my newsletter), when I sent out a once monthly newsletter, this person promptly unsubscribed and sent a note saying I was spamming her. Geez Louise. Come on. Guess what? I immediately unsubscribed from her as well. Yup, what goes around, comes around. You bet.
Anyway, I believe the lesson here is that when asked to start a relationship with another, or is asked if you can support something from someone else, consider doing it. It will probably only be good for you and for them. Don't immediately think, this has nothing to do with me. Forgettaboutit! I guarantee that you'll be glad you were able to help.
