There is a steep learning curve to be overcome when you are accustomed to competition and competing for prizes. Most people in business fall to the fear of others vying for the same clientele. The problem is conclusions are not always correct, and opportunities lost.
One example is of sales professionals who perform varying types of work. Some train executives while others coach beginners, and some work in-person while others are online. Their clientele differs and their focus is limited, but when they collaborate to share information of one another, their reach becomes exponential. Partnering may then expand to many types of related endeavors that become an expanded branding program.
The Problem
Reluctance to share equally in the promotion of one another will limit a person’s approach to one audience. Cross-over for potential new clients is not possible. Fear prohibits people from moving ahead and eventually will put them behind.
Some people will be very appreciative of your willingness to help them, but will not reciprocate in return. Free yourself of unequal partnerships to leave time for those willing to genuinely partner. In sales, the advice is to “qualify and match” for clientele. But this is true for everything you do. It’s another type of balance.
Selecting the Better Partners
- Reciprocity in sharing content and referring others.
- Support for and contribution to new ideas.
- Help is readily available.
Recognizing the fact that not everyone views business the same way, allows you to move on to find those who do. Being fearless for finding new partners while maintaining balance in all areas gives you a better chance for steadily moving forward.
The second order of “qualify and match” is to look for the methods of how others conduct business. Check for ethics, customer service and whether their effort is a traditional in-person approach or more online.
We each need to decide the better factors for our model of business so that we may find the better collaborators. The significance of who you select as partners is it reflects heavily on your personal brand.
Your Story
As we approach the year-end, think about everyone you view as a part of your inner circle.
- Is each of you supported equally?
- Do some question marks exist?
- Do you view some as old school versus what you are trying to accomplish?
The end of the year is the best time to re-strategize career and business. Perhaps just a tweak or two need to be made, or an entirely different strategy is in order. The important piece is to pay keen attention and make the needed changes to free yourself from wasted effort and time. Create a plan so that you may enjoy a highly successful new year.
Sales Tips:
- Think about your top personal connections to list the most supportive.
- Think about those you support but who fail to reciprocate.
- Consider if it’s time to move away from those who do not do the same for you.
- List the people you with whom you would like to connect.
- Create a list of the companies you wish to contact.
- Craft a plan for connecting with the people and the companies to improve results.
- Speak with people who are similarly aligned with your newer endeavors to gain insights.
- Revise your plan for moving forward in the New Year.
- Commit to the new and incorporate frequent review to refine as needed.
- Celebrate success!
Following these guidelines will lead you to the Smooth Sale!
