Are You a Good Business Partner?

Are you a good partner? In business we like to talk about “partnerships” and “building relationships,” but what does that mean? What it means to be a good partner may be different for me than to you. In my mind, being a good partner in business is no different than being a good partner to a spouse or friend.

Granted, there are different levels of intimacy with our personal relationships or partnerships, but there are a number of basic principals that apply to all relationships.

Respect. Having a healthy respect for your partner. You may not see eye to eye on all topics, but when it comes to accomplishing your goals, respect the partners with whom you’re engaged.

Communication. If your spouse called you with a question, would you put her off for a couple of days until you can get around to her? If your spouse had a problem with something that involves you, wouldn’t you want her to tell you? Or would you prefer she just not say anything until it’s too late? Too often communication in business is mishandled because a lack of sincere interest.

Reliability. Be reliable. Be there when your partner needs you and, equally important, when they don’t need you.

Gratitude. Be grateful for terrific partners. Thank them for their work, commitment and allegiance. Take care of your valued partners the way you’d take care of your friends. These are not only the partners who are paying you, but the partners in who you are investing. Say “thanks,” and let them know why they’re critical to your organization.

There’s nothing that I appreciate more in business than having outstanding partners. When you’re giving and taking, communicating, respecting the ideas, thoughts and time of each other you reach a level of partnership that becomes incredibly powerful. So, next time you talk about “partnerships,” first ask yourself - “am I a good partner?”

Ed Heil is the owner and president of StoryTeller Media & Communications an inbound marketing and public relations agency and video production company based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Ed blogs on topics related to inbound marketing, social media, media relations, news media, video production and crisis communications.

Tags: Communications, crisis communication, Good Business, media, media relations, partner, partnerships, storyteller, Video Services

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