As we continue to navigate our way through the new world of social media, mobile technology, and the ever-expanding Internet, it is actually becoming easier than ever to connect with others. But when there are so many new ways to connect with people popping up every day, it is important to slow down and consider what really brings us success. Is it tweeting 100 times per day or having 500 businesspeople in your LinkedIn network? Those that are able to master impactful connections with others, both online using these tools and through traditional means, will triumph in 2010 as they will throughout this decade.
Are you ready to triumph in 2010?
I have spent a lot of time researching what brings success to individuals and businesses. When we break down the characteristics that extraordinary business people possess, many of them have what we may consider to be some of the obvious enviable traits: Persistence, drive, hard work, intelligence, ability to generate new ideas, ability to change, and a ‘never take no for an answer’ mindset, etc.
However — there is one more key characteristic: it is these individuals’ particular ability to connect with others and form meaningful relationships. And this characteristic is not as simple as academic intelligence, or an entrepreneurial spirit. The ability to connect is a different kind of intelligence and one that is the proverbial ‘icing on the cake’ for most of the people that have reached to high levels of greatness.
Relating in an impactful way brings sales, leadership power, and personal success. It is an innate skill in some, but something that everyone can learn and improve upon. Yet it is truly a “secret to success,” because we have a tendency to brush off the importance of our ability to connect and create relationships as a key contributor and explanation for business success.Is it possible to build an entire, multi-million dollar business surrounded around your ability to connect? It seems so. And it is the best way to build a business effectively, efficiently, profitably and quickly. But the key is to work at it (like we must do with any relationship) by knowing the tactics that we should be using, focusing, and acting on a real plan.
Many of you may be thinking, becoming a better connector looks great on paper, but where do I get started? If you’re looking to improve your relationships in the new year here are a few free resources for you. Download 21 Connector Tips and also download Chapter 6, the most commented on and reviewed chapter of my book, “The Connectors: How The World’s Most Successful Businesspeople Build Relationships and Win Clients for Life.” Getting just a little bit better at connecting with others in 2010 costs nearly nothing, will noticeably differentiate you, and is the one sure thing you can bet on this year for getting your business to the next level!
Maribeth Kuzmeski
Maribeth Kuzmeski, MBA is the founder of Red Zone Marketing, LLC, which consults to Fortune 500 firms on strategic marketing planning and business growth. She is the author of 4 books, has frequently appeared on TV and radio, and has written articles on marketing strategies for hundreds of publications including Business Week and Entrepreneur. She regularly speaks to audiences on topics relating to business development, marketing, and sales strategies. Maribeth is author of The Connectors: How the World’s Most Successful Businesspeople Build Relationships and Win Clients for Life (Wiley, September 2009).
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