In Business It's About Relationships

I recently re-joined BNI (an international networking group, where only one person per profession can be in the group) after a 14+ year hiatus. The former BNI chapter I was in hovered around 20-25 members, the current chapter I'm in is around 65 members. And size shows. Business is being passed like crazy. But I noticed something... relationships are the key.

I've been building and growing Goldstein Media since I started in 2008 through networking and referrals almost exclusively. I've gotten some leads from my SEO and other efforts, but the most have been through networking and building strong business relationships with colleagues and clients.

Eighteen-plus years... and I'm still at it. It hasn't always been sunshine and rainbows, but I'm still at it.

I can honestly say that some of the most rewarding parts of my job aren't directly benefiting monetarily. They're when I can find a referral for a colleague or connect two of my business friends and they do business.

Like the title says... In Business It's About Relationships.

This past Friday, I had a coffee with a fellow member of my BNI chapter at a local coffee shop. This guy is a Ph.D., an engineer, and business advisor (business coach is almost an insult when describing this gentleman). He's an older guy and has done so much in his years in business. So much so that I told him he has to write a memoir. His life and business stories are seriously incredible.

Now, is this a person that I can refer business to right away? No. But as I get to know him better that "not right now" turns into a resounding "YES!" You know why? The relationship!

It's not rocket science. Also you don't need to spend a couple grand on a closed networking group to build your book of business. You do need to get out there and join some groups. Think chambers of commerce, monthly happy hour business groups. Go to Eventbrite (etc.) and you'll find some great events to attend. Trust me it's worth it.

Promise me one thing, you won't go there trying to get business right away. That's not how it works. It's about the... wait for it... relationships. As you go to these events regularly and for bonds with people, that's when the magic happens. It's most certainly NOT overnight.

Last Friday, the same day I met 1-on-1 with my BNI colleague, a good buddy of mine, Tim Dodd, who hosts an event that rotates around the Delaware Valley, had his quarterly Bucks County get together. It's always a small group. We met for drinks in New Hope during happy hour. There was only six of us, but the conversations we had were amazing, and I honestly would pass business to everyone there, because I've developed relationships with them.

See, it's all about... RELATIONSHIPS!

What do you do to grow your business? Do you frequent a certain type of business group or regular event? Share your stories in the comments!

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