Sunday, December 20, 2009

Relationships are key in business and life

I recently presented "The Entrepreneurial Mind" at the University of Pennsylvania to members of the Wharton entrepreneurship, marketing and technology clubs. I discussed how I started my business, ProLine Communications, with a database of 2500 contacts from all the editors, colleagues, vendors, clients that I had been involved with over the years. Your most important asset is your relationships. Everthing else can be purchased. You can view the video at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuhaCatVWCQ

7 comments:

  1. It can't be said enough; it's not what you know but who you know.

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  2. This is an extremely accurate statement and it is something that Seton Hall also stresses. There are constantly career fairs happening on campus in order for students to pass their contact information to as many people as possible. Also I have found that working in groups is a great way to network with different people during class time.

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  3. Networking is such an important part of building a business or a name for yourself. Relationships really are everything and its important to start building them as early as you can.

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  4. College students about to graduate should get the contact information of their classmates and
    professors. You never know.

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  5. Contacts are the most important thing in business. Most of the jobs I have worked over the years have been through people I have known or through mutual friends. Often times the recommendation of a friend can outweigh (or give more attention) to a resume.

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  6. I think the importance of relationships isn't stressed enough in business schools (at least not in my experience). I've gotten two internships and just received a full-time offer for after graduation based on a few relationships that I've built and sustained over my four years in college. Taking the effort to meet people and cultivate relationships can't be stressed enough.

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  7. While your skills, knowledge, and drive are what will sustain your career, your network oftentimes is what will get your foot in the door. In difficult economic times as these, your network could serve as a way to obtain an opportunity. From my personal experiences, the opportunities have gotten have come from my network and the relationships I've built.

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