The importance of business relationships
Heading back from Puerto Rico as I write this….(it was work!)..I spoke at the 50th annual convention of the Distribution Contractors of America. These are the guys who put pipelines, fiber optic cables and the like underground. Also there were there many equipment suppliers in attendance. I last spoke for them almost ten years ago and it was great to be back with them.
What struck me most about this group was the camaraderie. The close relationships between all attendees, whether they be contractors or suppliers was evident. Their auction raised nearly one-half million dollars! One of the interesting things about the auction is that in addition to the usual shotguns, jewelry and football tickets there are tools and other things the contractors need to do their work. So, when they buy at the auction they are getting added value by helping the association.
The meeting reinforced for me the importance and enduring value of quality business relationships. I regularly meet people who tell me all that matters is price, that business is cut throat and nothing else matters. Yes, the money matters but I was reminded that business is about a lot more than money and I could see that in the interactions between the attendees.
Is there anyone you haven’t talked to in a while that you probably should being talking to? Make contact.
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"I have received so many very positive comments about your workshop. Most importantly, the evaluations and the one-on-one feedback indicate that the participants picked up information and tips that they plan to apply both in their business and in their chapters."
E. Colette Nelson, Executive Vice President, American Subcontractors Association