What makes a business relationship?

What really makes a business relationship? This may be very hard to define as it goes beyond just meeting the person and chatting about something you have in common. A relationship is developed over a period of time and usually does not happen instantly. I once met a person at a Rotary function and this person was ideal for me as a business partner. I spent some time chatting with him at the event; we exchanged cards and agreed to meet on another occasion to discuss our mutual needs. Approximately 3 months went by before we had a chance to re-connect. At that time we found that we both had a common interest in viewing movies and both our spouses did as well. It was at this point that we decided to go to the movies as a group that weekend. This was the beginning of the business relationship. We had something in common that we both enjoyed. It has now been 2 and a half years later and I am just starting to do business with this person. This story simply means that you do not make instant business relationships, they must be nurtured.

In another example, the process was much quicker. I met a CPA at a networking and problem solving meeting, and we instantly discovered that I had some services he required and we agreed to meet to discuss the project. We also created a business relationship in that I agreed to help his son to write his first book. This relationship took a period of two months, not two years. What really makes a relationship is a common interest or goal and a fit for what you each have to offer. A business relationship is not a one way street, there must be give and take or it will fall apart.

If you have the expertise necessary, the development of the relationship will be shorter than if you have to search for something that will click. Personal interests, the direction you want to take your business, even your focus, all come into play.

Bette Daoust, Ph.D. has been networking with others since leaving high school years ago. Realizing that no one really cared about what she did in life unless she had someone to tell and excite. She decided to find the best ways to get people's attention, be creative in how she presented herself and products, getting people to know who she was, and being visible all the time. Her friends and colleagues have often dubbed her the "Networking Queen". Blueprint for Networking Success: 150 ways to promote yourself is the first in this series. Blueprint for Branding Yourself: Another 150 ways to promote yourself is planned for release in 2005. For more information visit http://www.BlueprintBooks.com