Finding the good people that create loyal business relationships

Every problem I have ever experienced in growing a business revolves around people. More specifically the issue of loyalty or aptly put, a lack of it. Those experiences were the ones that caused me the most pain (sometimes I was deeply hurt), frustration, sadness and a sense of loss. It zaps your energy and forces you to seriously question your faith in people and your ability to choose the right individuals in which to build a mutually beneficial relationship.

On the flip side, looking back over the years, there are still many people I can count on for support, those who believe in building a strong relationship that encourages open and honest communication. Why is that important? The journey of success in my opinion, is inclusive, not exclusive. The people you love (family, friends, business associates, clients, vendors, strategic alliances, joint venture and referral partners) are in your life because they're integral to your goals and dreams. You support each other through the good times and definitely need to stick together when times get rough. You share a common bond. You help each other. You look out for each other. You tell each other the truth.

Trust spawns loyalty. When you lose trust (faith) in someone it creates bad feelings. Bad feelings create negative energy. Negative energy is unproductive. However, it is in our nature to express those bad feelings, to tell the world about our horrible experience with that person or business. This of course, causes a swirl of resentment (that often, we feel like we bear alone) because we hope with all of our might that someday their bad Karma will catch up with them. And it will ... Most of us believe that you can't claw and scratch your way to the top, casting aside those who have become unnecessary, without leaving a nasty scar.

The difference is your attitude and how quickly you choose to put the negative thoughts and emotions behind. You have to look at every unpleasant encounter as a lesson and focus on what was gained or learned from that experience?

I have also figured out that it takes 20 years to become an overnight success! And of course, this is directly attributed to who is in your life. Do you believe in them and in return, do they believe in you? I have come to realize just how important it is to spend time with someone before committing to any type of business relationship. This "rule" was obviously learned the hard way. I suggest you do not entertain or even enter into any type of working relationship with someone until you meet them face-to-face and spend time getting to know them. Most of us know in our gut within an hour if this is a person (we do business with people, not companies) that you can build a lasting relationship. Someone that you would without hesitation, refer them business; someone you truly appreciate because of their knowledge, integrity and ability to help and serve others; someone you will be proud to call a friend. You might think that's hard, but really it's not. You have to do your due diligence. If it means web conferencing, using Skype, Googling their name on the internet, checking out their social networking sites, meeting them at a location half-way, or asking for references, do it! By taking the time now, you will have a much better chance of avoiding future surprises, heartache and grief.

I encourage you to look beyond the immediate and visualize this person in your life two, five 10, 30 years from now. Are you willing to give them your unswerving allegiance? Are you willing to put in the time and energy necessary to work on this relationship? Do you have their best interest at heart? Would you invite them home to meet your family? If the answer is yes to all of those questions, then I believe you have found a very important key to personal and business success: Good people equal good relationships.

By working together through a philosophy of cooperation, collaboration and unselfish contribution it creates a flow of abundant energy that each of us gets to enjoy. How much more fun and rewarding would it be if everyone in your circle of influence was able to achieve their own definition of personal, financial, and spiritual freedom simply because we stood shoulder to shoulder, hand-in-hand with those wonderful, caring people we love? There is an absolute truth about strength in numbers that if utilized, is very powerful and very exciting!

If you're running the 100-yard dash alone, think about putting yourself on a relay team instead. That way, more of you get to cross the finish line and more of you get to win!

Cheri S. Hill is chief empowerment officer of Sage International, Inc. in Reno. Contact her at 786-5515; cheri@sageintl.com.