In April 1988, I found myself in the middle of a job interview for a role that involved selling high-end solutions. The conversation with the sales manager took an unexpected turn when he asked me to imagine there was a package of butter on the table, and to sell it to him.
I was confused. While I could certainly play along, the request felt out of place for a position focused on high-end solutions. The exercise didn’t seem aligned with the relationship-driven approach I envisioned. Ultimately, I didn’t get the job. It was clear that the sales manager and I had fundamentally different views on what it means to sell.
Fast forward three and a half decades, and my belief remains unchanged; I still firmly believe that relationships are the cornerstone of success. Whether it’s building alliances & partnerships, leading teams, or even acquiring companies, the relationships we cultivate are crucial to achieving our goals. Building and maintaining these connections isn’t just important—it’s essential.
Some might argue that nurturing relationships is time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be. Back in 1988, we relied on face-to-face meetings, phone calls, and letters to keep in touch. Today, we’re fortunate to have a wide array of tools at our disposal that make communication easier and more efficient. Email, social media, and other digital platforms allow us to stay connected in ways that were unimaginable decades ago.
This column, as part of my bi-weekly newsletter, is an example of how we can maintain a connection, by offering you a little inspiration at the start of your week. Our relationship might remain on this level, or it could evolve into something more significant. Perhaps you may want to schedule a call with me here, leading to a personal conversation that deepens our connection.
By starting dialogue, it means every time we engage directly, something changes. You’re no longer just a reader and I’m no longer just the person who sends out Monday morning emails. Our relationship takes on a new dimension, one that is built on genuine interaction.
Maintaining relationships doesn’t have to be a burden or a drain on your time. With the variety of communication tools available today, staying connected has never been easier. Start small by reaching out to just one person you haven’t spoken to in a while.
Can you commit to reaching out to one contact each working day? By doing so, you’ll engage in more than 200 relationship-building activities every year. These small, consistent efforts can lead to significant results, both personally and professionally. Take the first step today—your future success depends on the relationships you nurture!