How much time do you spend nurturing the business connections you’ve made?
Chances are, you’re not spending enough.
As a freelance copywriter, I’ve learned that my business connections are some of the most valuable assets I have. My network is at least as important as my copywriting skills.
Daymond John, creator of FUBU clothing and one of the “Sharks” on the TV show Shark Tank says this: “I’ve learned, like with anything else, business is only as good as your connections and your resources.”
The inventors and entrepreneurs who appear on Shark Tank know this, which is why they’ll sometimes accept less favorable terms to get connected with the one Shark they believe will be most beneficial to the success of their product or company.
In the video clip below, Dave, the owner of Clean Bottle, gets two strong offers, one from Robert Herjavec and one from Mark Cuban.
Robert offers $60,000 for 5%, which is what Dave originally asked for. Mark offers $60,000 for 8%.
Based on the numbers alone, Robert’s offer is much more attractive. It is the offer I would have accepted. But ultimately, Dave accepted Mark’s offer because Mark is the owner of the Dallas Mavericks. Dave placed a high value on Mark’s network of connections in the sports world.
Remember: Business is not a solo enterprise. Many people contribute to the success of a business, not least of which are the people you know.
So nurture your network and treat it like the valuable asset it is.
-Ryan M. Healy
P.S. One of the ways I nurture my network is by staying in touch via mail.
This is why I use Send Out Cards. It makes staying in touch easy and affordable. I’ve been using it for 3+ years for both personal and business contacts.
I strongly encourage all service providers to use Send Out Cards to nurture and develop their business contacts. Click here to learn more about Send Out Cards.
About Ryan M. Healy
Ryan Healy is a direct response copywriter. Since 2002, he has worked with scores of clients, including BoostCTR, Alex Mandossian, Terry Dean, and Pulte Homes. He writes a popular blog about copywriting, advertising, and business growth, has been featured in publications like Feed Front magazine, and is a regular contributor to WordStream.com, BoostCTR.com, and MarketingForSuccess.com.
I bought AWAI's Accelerated Program for Six-Figure Copywriting back when I still had a job. It remains one of the best purchases I've ever made. I became a freelance copywriter in 2005 and never looked back. Discover How to Make Money Writing Copy! » |
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Ryan, please don’t get me started on Shark Tank. I could go on all day about the relationships those entrepreneurs should choose.
However, I love seeing entrepreneurs with fortitude and this remains my favorite showdown of all:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qScot7zyTvI
Just watched the video… that guy handled the negotiations like a pro. He is one cool cat.
Years ago, my mentor who was a very active and influential VC (Venture Capitalist) in the Mid-Atlantic region, shared the power of the following secret with me:
One of the biggest reasons to accept money from an investor is to tap into their network of contacts and experts. In many cases, he considered it to be worth taking a smaller offer to get access to the right personal networks.
Not that I’ve ever been in a position to be seeking venture capital, but I can certainly see the wisdom in that strategy.
Ryan… good to hear you promote SendOutCards… I just got involved a couple of months ago…I tweeted your post out because you are always a first class guy.
Do you remember one time on a Talkshoe chat we shared our positive attitude of good programs?
I built a 30 yr sales career marketing to New Car Dealers by sending hand written notes, cards, and gifts. So I know that nurturing your customers can be huge.
Plus its fun to connect with people in many formats …
Thanks for another great post…John
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