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Friendships in Business

By Steve Lovelace of Moving Pictures Inc

Though not necessarily what I might consider "Intel" - there is perhaps less intelligence in this than wisdom - I thought it might be appropriate to share a few thoughts. And although the time of this writing is "Friends Week" here in Qassia, the little ramblings herein are timeless.

Everyone here is trying to position themselves a certain way: most notably, as an expert in their field; the "go-to guy/gal" and the one to whom the rest of us might look to for the right ideas, the right services, the right products. And by the fraternal and social-based nature of this site, I also assume that everyone here likely adheres to the notion that even the most quantifiable commodity-based business does not solely subsist on great "stuff", but rather its intangible qualities and strengths, such as brand and awareness, marketability, and demand among an audience.

Perhaps the most important power behind any product or service is the qualitative aspects of business relationships between a company and its partners, vendors, customers and clients, staff and associates, and investors. When anyone among these groups believes in the value of a company and its offerings, he or she is more likely to support that company's initiatives and what it has to offer. As business people, that's why it's also crucial to develop, maintain, and nurture the relationships so important to the bottom line welfare of our companies. And sadly, far too many of us take our relationships for granted.

Often, we develop personal friendships as a result of working together closely with someone. This may be anyone from the UPS guy, to a supplier or vendor, to a co-worker, to a client. The result can often yield a stronger, richer relationship on both fronts, but there is also great risk in losing either aspect of the friendship - business or personal - as a result of the strain each side places on the other. Too often, it can be difficult to make decisions in the best interest of someone as a friend without compromising the interests of a business, and vice-versa. Conversely, we have all seen many wonderful relationships grow and flourish as a result of the merging of two worlds.

My current company, Moving Pictures, originated as a husband-wife team 20 years ago - the 4th such team I'd worked with in a row! During the course of employ with these four businesses, I have seen the gamut of highs and lows. Some of these businesses enjoyed great success, teamwork, morale, and energy, while others did not. Universally, those that did *not* all lacked a key fundamental ingredient: respect. When there is lack of respect in a relationship, it is doomed for failure. And when this relationship is both personal as well as business-based, it is being weakened on both fronts.

Respect for our peers, our partners, our clients, and our vendors is paramount to the success of those relationships, and - in turn - our businesses themselves. After all, beyond just our great products or services, our relationships - our friendships, indeed - are the building blocks of true success. When we are in need of an opinion, a favor, or even a referral when looking for a new job, we often turn to our friends within our business community. We look within before we look outside. And new acquaintances and relationships are formed every day, some of which develop into life-long friendships. It is these bonds that transcend our businesses, and create value and meaning that can last far longer than the product we sell or the service we provide.

All the best to you,

-Steve


________________________
Steve Lovelace
Moving Pictures Inc
www.movingpix.com
www.buildabetterbox.com

Contributed by Steve Lovelace on July 8, 2009, at 6:02 PM UTC.

PLEASE VISIT THE CONTRIBUTOR'S WEBSITE
Build a Better Box - Uncommon Sense for Communications, Marketing & Business
Creative, thought-provoking business blog
www.buildabetterbox.com

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