Crucial Conversations and Relationships in Business
A supportive network can make all the difference to your outlook on life, both personally and professionally.
Lean on others for support
At some point all of us need the support of friends and family, and most of us have people we can lean on. But not everyone recognises that substantial support is available from unexpected sources; you may be are either unaware of the possibilities or so immersed in your own situation that you cannot see or think beyond barriers that are holding you back. We want you to know you do have a choice and there is opportunity to lean on others for support—you just have to know where to look.
Sometimes support is as simple as being able to say what you think to people who will listen and respond in a constructive way. Think of the wise words J.K. Rowling put in Dumbledore’s mouth, “Help will always be given … to those who ask”. The ‘help’ may not solve the problem, but it will make a difference, and perhaps enough of a difference to trigger practical change.
Take Some Form of Action
Having the opportunity to verbalise a situation can make all the difference when problems arise. Business owners regularly face difficulties when growing their businesses, and finding a way to turn these into opportunities is a valuable skill to acquire. Ever-changing conditions require you to be innovative and learning to adapt is particularly important in today’s competitive markets, as you need to keep moving forward. Doing nothing usually makes matters worse; you need to take some form of action.
In our experience there are common themes to the problems faced by business owners. While doing some basic research on business problems and opportunities. YTM Business Networking founder, Kerryn asked two separate questions at different times in a Facebook group. Here is what she found :-
Kerryn shares- “My first question asked people to state the biggest problem in their business right now. My second question asked people to state their biggest opportunity. I found the results very interesting, and not in the way you might think. Many people were able to quickly and easily share their problems—I had around ninety comments in next to no time—but the opportunity question received only five or six responses.
I should have delved a little deeper and asked why people were so willing to share their challenges online with complete strangers. It is so often the other way round at networking events. People tend to talk up their business and opportunities, but many are less keen to discuss difficulties and problems. “
Why is it that authentic conversations about the difficulties faced in business are shared so rarely at real time networking events, where the opportunity to offer support, and explore problems with other professionals and people who have managed similar challenges is so beneficial? There is so much value in asking the right questions from which your conversation can flow, such as
“Have you ever had to put off a staff member and how did you go about it?”
“How did you cut ties with a difficult client?”
“What do you wish you had known before you started your business?”
Share Highlights, Pitfalls, and Challenges
You can learn so much from conversations when listening to others share highlights, pitfalls, challenges, a different business perspective, and openly exchange knowledge and skills. Networking provides the perfect opportunity to join in, to give and receive support. There is no need to feel alone, as you draw on relationships and connections and recognise that someone will be willing and able to assist if you reach out and connect.
The basis of the YTM business events is support built through relationships and focus on purposeful conversations. Conversations that provide our community and visiting guests with opportunities to gain and establish, trusted relationships. Subscribe here if you would like to participate in “real” conversations that can help you survive the business journey and we will also send you FREE conversation starters to help you on your way.
