Business Relationship Networking - 2022

Business Relationship Networking – by Ben Washburn

Over the years at MMI, I have built a professional network of relationships with trusted advisors.?Most business referred to MMI is only one degree of separation from one of these trusted advisors.?

As MMI’s relationships grow, evolve and change we always look for opportunities to create a win-win-win between the individuals, the companies and the products or services we engage.?One of the ways we do that is by continually involving the MMI network of professional relationships with new projects and new clients.?

Whether you are building existing networks or building new relationships there are steps one can take to foster productive networking systems as you prospect, build and grow.?

Here are a few tips from me, MMI’s Founder Ben Washburn

1)??Create a core – the heart or inner most part of anything.?

These are your most trusted mentors, business advisors and referral sources.?Keep them very close and engage them first.?Remember, it is quality, not quantity here.?

Frequency of contact is irrelevant here given the past turbulence of the market and economic and political landscape changes and is sometimes undesirable.?Re-engage and reconnect when the timing makes sense.?People will not notice any gaps of time with your communications if the outreach that occurs is mutually beneficial.?

Your core decision-making team starts with values, similar interests and influence.?Once your core is established, one can focus on the six degrees of separation.?We know this model from past and with people with respect to networking.?I believe the best six degrees of focus are the terms of:

-Purpose

-Discovery

-Motivation

-Adversity

-Journey

-Prosperity

When you analyze these definitions and focus time, energy and relationships?on these topics, success will prevail from your core.

2)??Manage perception – the act, state or faculty of receiving knowledge of external things by the medium of the senses, idea, notion or conception.?

Perception is your gut sense and view of information and influence gathered over time based on your values system, education and experiences.?Be yourself regardless of other’s opinions and perceptions and build your business from the core while respecting self.?

Allow your inner circle of most trusted mentors and advisors to align and build upon your values to create more win-win-win relationships in the business community.

While utilizing combinations of online communication tools like LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and e-mail regularly remember to focus networking efforts on face-to-face meetings and phone calls in order to achieve the most beneficial outcomes for your time and to drive motivation, revenue and relationships in a positive direction.?

3)??Build a reputation – good name or character, honor, credit

One’s reputation is an extension of their valued business relationships plus the value one brings to the table and can offer to help others.?Reputation is vitally important when competition and conflicting personalities arise.?

Always think before you speak and treat others how you would like to be treated.?Avoid derogatory tone and feelings in communication in order to avoid developing a negative reputation within your market.?

Help others. Provide service and expertise and add value in order to reap rewards with respect to your reputation.??

In a recovering economy, best practices yield results.?When core, perception and reputation align in the market with respect to your products and services, success will find you.?

All the Best –

Ben Washburn, Founder of MMI.?