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If you want to succeed, read the Relationship goodie-bag

The Relationship Goodie-Bag is an entrepreneur’s bank

2018 is here; with a rejuvenated spirit many are frantically making resolutions towards a better life. However, we are often too busy to realize our successes are closely tied to things regarded as trivial. Our inter-personal relations will always have a bearing on our success stories. The relationship goodie-bag is an asset we all have. How then do we maximize gain by accessing our relationship goodie-bag?

How then do we maximize gain by accessing our relationship goodie-bag?

I come from a background where “useless” doesn’t exist. Because inherently each person has something unique that when tabled can bring about change. Since humanity is a wild composition of relationships, our successes, to a large extent hinges on extracting all we can from our relationships to inch closer to success. Each relationship presents a different set of opportunities. Identifying the contents of your contact base, relationships and the value it can potentially add to your story is the first step to success.

Identifying your contact base, relationships and the value:

Primarily we each have 4 types of relationships we may be in i.e.

Family, Friendships, Romantic relationships & Professional relationships. Each of the listed, presents other forms of relationships that can affect us positively in the pursuit of entrepreneurial success. However, the egoistic part of humanity becomes a borderline that MUST be crossed to attain success. Relationships and emotions are a wild blend.

Relationships and emotions are a wild blend.

How we feel(intuition), what we hear, what we know, appears to drive our relationships. However, I want to challenge you to think success by prioritizing your goals. I am not suggesting cutting links and becoming a loner. I mean ask yourself “WHAT ARE MY GOALS, IF I WANT TO SUCCEED”. Remember success is relative and can be in several ways but it must gratify you. The beautiful thing about a goal is that you can always re-adjust, re-order or change completely if they don’t lead to success.  Goals & Relationships are bedfellows.

Goals & Relationships are bedfellows.

Meetings, brainstorming, proposals, designs, business plans; define the preparedness for success. However, we need to ensure the content of the above are rich enough to truly radiate success.  Our goals are meant to help attain success, so in building the content of the aforementioned, we dip our hands into the relationship goodie-bag. In that bag, you have friends, family, lovers, and Professional relationships. Within the four types of relationships you will find Mentors, Entrepreneurs & Professionals. You might even have fixers & investors in there.  That is where you think strategically for gain.

Think STRATEGICALLY for GAIN.

How many of us will ever receive a blank cheque?

How many of us have the financial muscle to implement all aspects of what would culminate in success? Very few.

So, your bank is your relationship goodie-bag. Remember, all you need to succeed is within reach, but you can only see it when you carefully search. The search should start with the relationship-goodie bag. How do you search the bag?

How do you search the relationship goodie-bag?

• Identify the individuals in your relationship-goodie bag.
• Categorize them according to your needs.
• Analyse your relationship with each person.
• Gather as much knowledge on what you intend to do.
• Be sure your endeavour is realistic and not just an over-ambition.
• Make initial contact on the subject matter.

Your initial contact regarding what you seek is typically the game-changer, even though you may not get to discuss your goals and dreams in full, treat it as a pitch. This interaction should be one you pay rapt attention to, because the demeanour & language will give you indicators on your next step. However, NEVER assume based on the demeanour UNTIL it’s a categorical NO. (There’s a way to deal with Categorical NO but we’ll look at it some other time). A categorical NO can be received with more questions as to why the NO, you’ll be surprised how much you will learn from the response. Also, remember to thank the person for the time spent with you.

The relationship-goodie bag is available for everyone, but many hit a snag at the initial contact stage. Advice: NEVER allow your ego/emotions to cloud your analysis of encounters with people you brought out from your relationship goodie-bag. That’s a first step towards failure. You need to understand, whilst there’s an existing relationship with the person, they are not obliged to assist you.

So, meet them knowing that.

• People have challenges of their own.
• They will dictate times to meet etc.
• They will decide what aspect of your plan to fit in.
• They can pull out at any time.
• They may even refer you to others you don’t know from their relationship goodie-bag.
• They may offer to help for a fee.

Knowing all the above, you will need to REMIND YOURSELF, at every stage, that YOU NEED THEM, they may not need you beyond the already existing relationship. So, when you decide not to CALL AGAIN, it is your loss.

When you decide to brand the relationship goodie-bag content as UNWILLING TO HELP, it is your loss.

The line between success and failure can be your assumption.

Seek assistance but don’t be intrusive because everyone has a role in our lives.

Let 2018 be a year of success…The relationship goodie-bag is an insurance