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The Second-Handshake: How Relationship Building Equals Business Success

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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.  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, that’s a short-term outlook.  The real question you should be asking is: “What value can I bring to people?”

If you approach networking and relationship building in this manner, you’re bound to get a second handshake.

What is a second handshake?  I’m 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), “Hi, my name is Jill, I’m the owner of Impromptu Guru, I do public speaking and communication coaching and consulting. What’s your name and what do you do?”  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.  You say, “Phil, I’m curious, how did you get into doing what you do?”  And a conversation ensues—the foundation of a relationship is laid.  After about five minutes you’ve 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, he extends his hand and gives you a second handshake.  Success!

It’s these conversations—these second handshakes—that 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 “Communication and Relationship Building” on “Communication Nation” http://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/68213/communication-and-relationship-building

Note: In a previous life (way back in 2013) I had a radio show on Voice America’s Talk Radio Network. You can now get all of the Communication Nation with Jill Schiefelbein show episodes on iTunes.

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