Are you one of those people who makes friends and builds relationships quickly? Do you have a personality that attracts others, and they just want to be around you?
More than your personality, it is how you make people feel when they are around you and how you treat them. You may think you are not the person to whom others are not attracted, but you could be wrong. You are the only you that has ever existed, and you bring a unique quality to the lives of those around you.
Business Relationships
Your business includes developing relationships. For example, your customers and clients, colleagues and vendors, and business and referral partners are attracted to you not just for what they can get from you but for who you are. So, don’t discount your gift. God designed you for the job (purpose) only you can do. And, He will bring those people into your life that will help propel you forward for business success while allowing you to share your gift with them.
One of the principles I have discovered is that- I serve God and others by developing relationships in the marketplace. We each know that business, especially small business, is all about relationships. But, have you ever thought about it as being a way to serve God? Exciting, right? Let’s explore this thought a little.
Serving Through Relationships
First, we need to develop relationships with like-minded people. We see this example in the Bible with Priscilla. Do you remember her? She and her husband, Aquila, were friends and business partners with Paul. They had a relationship that equipped them to live out their purpose, to tell others about Jesus, as they worked in their profession of tent making. As a result, their relationship encouraged and supported one another as they grew the early church.
Do you have a like-minded group or partner? In today’s world, we call these ‘accountability partners.’ I have found it very beneficial to seek out and work with partners. For a few years, I had a great partner. Strangely, our personalities were so different, but that made it even better. For me, having someone who can point out things I can’t see in myself is important. If I had had someone just like me, I would miss out on the richness of the relationship. I truly believe God has placed her in my life to help me with my blind spots regarding relationships.
Who has God placed in your life that could potentially be your accountability partner for business success right now? Ask yourself some of these questions to find the best fit:
- Do they understand my business?
- Is their personality different enough so they have another point of view?
- Are they not afraid to ask me the tough questions that will challenge me to do better?
- Will I be able to accept their input without beating myself up?
Importantly, you have to trust the person you decide to work with, that is for sure.
Relationships are meant for sharing
Second, we need to develop relationships that allow us to share our expertise. This is the mentor relationship. Yes, you have something to give to someone else. Again, we see this with Priscilla. She is introduced to Timothy, a young man who becomes a dynamic leader in the early church. Through her and her husband’s guidance, many new leaders emerge. They were the power couple that fueled the early church movement.
In business, this mentor relationship is not new. No matter your personality, you can find others who respect you and can use your guidance. Treat others in a way that makes you attractive. Show up each day by giving your best, having a great attitude, and showing kindness to others. How are you showing up in your day-to-day? Make it count for something.
Relationships for Business Success Challenge
Having an accountability partner is challenging, and so is the mentoring relationship. It connects you in a way that brings out your own best qualities and improves you. Who can you mentor? Ask yourself these questions:
- Who could I encourage and support, both personally or professionally?
- Who could I be committed to in this type of relationship?
- What expertise and experience can I offer that this person needs?
- How can I be a role model for this person?
We are all called to a different purpose. Maybe yours is to be a mentor. I don’t know. What I do know is that both types of relationships are ways to share Christ in your marketplace. So, that IS your purpose. As a result, you are so attractive that others ask about what makes you different. Then you can share the hope of Christ that is inside of you.
Do you see how these relationships can benefit you? Are you looking for a place to practice these types of relationships? I want to invite you to the Calling Clarity Community. Inside this Christian Women’s Entrepreneur community, we have professional, personal, and spiritual development. A way to GROW with other believers and create relationships for your success.
Let me know in the comments what you need as you are building relationships for your God-centered business success.
Charisse Tyson says
It is so important to have an accountability partner. I’m very grateful to have one who inspires and encourages me as I prayerfully do her. God bless