Business Connections Mean Little, or Everything
One hundred years ago when you wanted to telephone someone it wasn’t as easy. Today it is different. Do you believe that you have good business connections? What is the value?
In the early 1900’s it seems that business networking really wasn’t a thing. Commerce was very localized. You had stores and markets in town, and you typically wouldn’t travel far to get essentials.
Certainly, there were gatherings at public events, county fairs, and perhaps a traveling circus. Train stations were still serving many expanding cities and towns.
Instead of waiting a few seconds, a minute, or an hour, for some electronic mail, people waited days, weeks, or longer for a hand written letter from an acquaintance far away.
The perception of the world was likely smaller, or maybe larger. Your people network wasn’t as vast, and for most purposes, outside of a few close neighbors or friends, a network would have probably seemed unnecessary.
Business Connections
It is different today. Business is moving faster and faster. Quality and efficiency still matter but patience often seems lost.
Expectations are driven by speed and complimented through convenience.
What is quick, easy, and affordable seems to hold higher interest when compared with waiting, of substantial quality, and worth every penny.
People amass hundreds of social media connections, some attain thousands, and some hundreds of thousands or more.
Commerce happens. It is often about your network.
Need a job? Who do you know?
Need a roof repair, a lawn mower fixed, or a custom-built cabinet? Who do you know?
If you don’t know anyone, you search the internet.
Your choices are greater and the options feel riskier.
Everything seems bigger now.
Word of mouth has transformed to World of mouth. What happens in Tennessee is known about in California and Vermont in seconds.
Lost in the Hustle
You can also easily get lost.
Perhaps you shout but no one hears you. You create a website, or a social media group or page, and everyone can find you, or no one does.
One hundred years ago businesses had a connection. It happened through people.
Today, a lot has changed, only nothing has changed.
If you are doing business, your connections still matter the most.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
