If you want to be successful in business, you need to surround yourself with the right people. But finding the right people to surround yourself with is not an easy task. Yes, I realize I was a bit repetitive there. But hear me out.
When we think about surrounding ourselves with the right people, we often think in the perspective of what people can do for us. However, thatâs a short-term outlook. The real question you should be asking is: âWhat value can I bring to people?â
If you approach networking and relationship building in this manner, youâre bound to get a second handshake.
What is a second handshake? Iâm glad you asked.
Picture this scenario: You walk into a networking event. Fresh meat. Someone immediately approaches you, reaches out to shake your hand, and says (in one breath), âHi, my name is Jill, Iâm the owner of Impromptu Guru, I do public speaking and communication coaching and consulting. Whatâs your name and what do you do?â You spurt your scripted answer back. You exchange cards. And you walk away. There is no second handshake.
Now, picture this scenario: You walk into a networking event. You go up to someone who looks interesting. You shake hands and introduce yourselves by name. She says, âJill, Iâm curious, how did you get into doing what you do?â And a conversation ensuesâthe foundation of a relationship is laid. After about five minutes youâve learned that you both left corporate jobs to go it on your own. You have something in common. And you both genuinely enjoyed the conversation to the point that when you start to walk away, she extends her hand and gives you a second handshake. Success!
Itâs these conversationsâthese second handshakesâthat are the foundation of relationships that can be mutually beneficial. The relationships that allow you to surround yourself with the right people. The relationships that lead to business success.
Learn more about the second handshake, and the two other keys for relationship building by listening to âCommunication and Relationship Buildingâ on âCommunication Nationâ http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/68213/communication-and-relationship-building
Jill Schiefelbein is an accomplished speaker, author, professor, and business owner. She is the owner of Impromptu Guru, a communication consulting company that was named Gilbert Arizonaâs 2012 âRookie of the Yearâ less than a year after its inception. She is also the host of âCommunication Nation,â a business communication talk show on VoiceAmericaâs Business Channel. She works with professional athletes, politicians, business executives, and groups to improve their communication and messaging strategies. Learn more at http://impromptuguru.com
