Straight Talk About Business, Marketing, Success, and Life in General
by Olga Jenney

Ever heard the term “the money’s in the list”?

If you’re in business, undoubtedly you’ve spent some time at a networking event or two in order to grow your own list.  How many business cards did you collect?  Ten?  Fifty?  One hundred?  Maybe more?

Now ask yourself….  Are you a connector or just a collector?

Gathering those business cards or leads, if you prefer, is great.  However, what you do with them after that is far more important.  Are you stashing them in a box somewhere and just watching them collect dust or are you actually connecting with those people?

Your first opportunity to create a connection with someone is at the actual networking event itself.  Rather than focusing on gathering as many business cards as possible, doesn’t it make more sense to actually get to know some of the people that you’re networking with?

Remember the “Golden Rule” that you were taught as a child?  “Treat people the way that you would like to be treated.”

How do you feel when someone has taken the time to get to know you a little better?  Feels good, right?  Well then, doesn’t it stand to reason that others would feel the same way?

People prefer to do business with those they know, like and trust.

Take the time.  Get to know the person you’re meeting.  Connect on a human level.  Quite often you will realize that you have much more in common than just business.

Ask them what it is that they do and how you can help them.  Build that relationship and create a win-win situation for both of you.  Now you have a real lead.

When you are genuinely coming from a position of service, those in your network will trust that you sincerely want to help them whenever possible.  Prove them right.  Whenever you see an opportunity to help someone, do so.  Even, if you don’t realize an immediate benefit for yourself.  The rewards will follow in many different forms.

If you’re looking to create a lasting business, then focus on creating lasting relationships.  People want to be treated as valued human beings and not just as a name on your list.

So then, is the money really in the list?  No, it’s not.  The money is in the relationship that you develop with your list.  Put people above money and you will win every time.