Building Strong Networks and Partnerships

As human beings we have been created with a need to relate and work with other people. Human beings are communal beings. I heard someone say; “alone is not good for you”. People do all kinds of crazy things when left to themselves.

Just like in our personal lives, even in business no one is an island. We all need people in our lives so as to thrive. We partner and form collaborations with people and companies for various reasons. However the art of networking is a skill that we all must cultivate on a personal level. In order to get what we need, we must be willing to let go of what we have. This is the underlying principle of networking. Through networks we learn to share and exchange vital information, services, resources so as to build strong coalitions.

Our ability to successfully build networks and partnerships is dependent on our ability to create win-win situations. Although human nature is naturally greedy and selfish, we can choose to unlearn these patterns of thinking and living so as to embrace new paradigm shifts that are relevant for the 21^st century citizen.

Successful networking is all about building intimate sincere relationships based on mutual generosity not duplicity and is based on the realization that each of us can’t achieve their career goals on their own. You have to network your way to success. Networking can make a huge difference if you focus on being useful and building mutually beneficial relationships rather than networking for personal gain.

Transparency among partners is the basis for a solid and honest relationship. This principle cuts across and relationship that involves human beings be it personal or business. Trust will often times supersede the legal confinements of the business environment. When we trust someone, we easily go the extra mile. There is a huge sense of security that comes with knowing that someone has your back covered. Before we build networks and partnerships, we ought to work at winning people’s trust and confidence.

Your level of commitment to do a partnership will determine how much good you get out of it. To successfully build strong healthy partnerships, you must be willing to readily respond appropriately and in a timely manner to varied needs. It is only wise to weigh the cost before you commit. It is more expensive to break a commitment than to turn down an offer. It not only breaks the trust between the parties, it ruins future opportunities and stains your reputation.

Like any other business, successful networking begins with thorough preparation. Set time aside to practice and perfect your elevator and investor pitch. Remember you are not trying to sell your product with your pitch; you are trying to sell your credibility as a person. Your personal brand is an authentic way of communicating who you are and what you are all about so invest in it.