One of the best things we can do to help grow our businesses is to get out and spend some time with other like-minded business owners. Sounds simple, but here is the magic question: "Are you doing it? I mean really doing it -- and are you doing it with the right people and the right intent? In addition to reading great books and listening to life-changing audio, association is a powerful ingredient to long-term success.
It is been said that we are most like the people we spend time with -- and I believe it to be true. It is especially true in business. While most small business owners know the value of networking -- and there are normally many opportunities to network -- many may not be consistently networking with the right people. Every business has a target audience and this is true for customers, prospects, referral partners, and alliance partners. It is also true for role-models, mentors, coaches, and advisers. It is critical that we have a clear picture of what this particular audience looks like and find the right opportunities to get not just in front of them, but beside them as well.
One of the hallmarks of highly successful business owners and entrepreneurs, is their willingness to, at least to some extent, tell you how they got there. Now, if you're a direct competitor, you probably won't hear any great secrets -- but you should get a good indication as to why they are successful. However, your best and most meaningful associations will probably come from those who are not related to your business category at all. Of course, a complimentary but not-competitive business owner or leader can be of great value in the formation of an alliance or even a partnership. But, let's not limit ourselves.
Great leadership and great leadership skills transcend far beyond certain categories. In fact, it is our technical tendencies that we often practice in our own business that may be holding us back. We need to seek out successful CEOs, with successful track records in the area of business growth and development. We need to find those who excel at leadership, not doer-ship. We need to find out what they're reading, who they're following, what they're thinking and most important of all, how they think.
So find out where these leaders are assembled and make every effort to be part of that assembly. Learn to ask compelling questions and be a hungry student. But don't stop there.
Find a coach that can help you create the vision and the culture in which you'll lead. Make that investment in yourself and in your business. Embrace the accountability that comes with leadership and you too may find yourself helping a hungry business owner or entrepreneur who will come to realize that to be successful in business -- some assembly is required.
Your thoughts and comments are welcome.
