Why Do We Build Relationships?

Most of us spend a lot of time meeting new people and managing our existing relationships. Why is it that we do this? What is in it for us?  Here are a few reasons to consider:

Build a Support System
When we have challenges in life it is important that we have a support system of trusted people who we can go to for advice.  Also, this support system is great for sharing good news.

Develop Friendships
One of the benefits of building quality relationships is that many of these people become friends. It is important to always grow your sphere of people in your life.

Sense of Accomplishment
With networking, you should always be finding ways to help others. Therefore, you will feel a sense of accomplishment when you positively help someone.

Demonstrate Your Expertise
The more we develop relationships, the more people will see us as subject matter experts. You need to share with people what you know so they can make introductions and provide opportunities for you.

Grow Your Business
One of the major results of successful relationship building is that you will eventually grow your business. By helping others and getting to know people, it will result in growth for your business.

What other reasons do you build relationships?

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Comments

[Don Antonucci]

Personal growth would be another reason I'd add. As you meet new people and deepen current relationships, many times you're able to gain new insights, ideas and knowledge that can be applied personally for growth and success.

Thanks for the post Jason!

--Don

Don Antonucci

[Jason Jacobsohn]

Yes, great reason. Personal growth is very big.

[Jan Vermeiren]

Hi Jason,

you asked for some more reasons. I picked a few of an older blog post of mine:

Sales Related:
1) Getting referrals to new prequalified prospects
2) Receiving referrals to other departments at current customers
3) Word of mouth publicity
4) Creating ambassadors who will tell about you and connect you with the right prospects

Not Sales Related:
1) Getting to know the right people who can help you with your career
2) Attracting the right organisations to form partnerships with
3) Notifications when there are important changes (for example when legislation changes)
4) Up-to-date information for work-related topics
5) Knowing about new trends
6) Receiving more visibility as a person or an organisation
7) Attracting more opportunities
8) Getting new ideas, new insights and new wisdom
9) Getting another perspective
10) Door openings to people you won’t be able to reach on your own
11) Enrichment in every possible way
12) Doing things with more fun
13) Developing as a person
14) Developing as an organisation
15) Attracting the right mentors
16) Having a filter (= people from your network) for the massive amounts of information on the Internet and elsewhere
17) Receiving more invitations to (the right) events as a participant, speaker or co-host

Have a great networking day !

Jan

[Jason Jacobsohn]

Thanks Jan for the great additions!

[Steve Blumenfeld]

Jason, what a great site! Lot's of stuff here on the way to do it right and for the long run.
Keep up the good work!
www.networkingfun.com

[Jason Jacobsohn]

Thanks Steve!