Are You Networking? Or Building Relationships

Why do people choose you over your competition? If you’re a professional — attorney, accountant, consultant, etc., this may be a difficult question to answer. Your credentials are probably virtually identical to just about everyone else in your field. What sets you apart? Is it your resume? Your experience? Probably not.

You might say success comes down to networking. Who do you know?

But I think it has more to do with relationships. Yes, who you know. But more importantly, who knows you. If they have a choice, people want to work with people whom they like.

Networking is fine, but a relationship goes deeper than handing out a business card. When you have a relationship with someone, you know their name. You can sit down with them and have a conversation. You know what makes them tick, and you have a pretty good idea how you can help each other.

Networking is fine; it’s a great place to start. But don’t let it stop there. Build relationships with people, and you’ll build a lasting business.