250,000 publishing people descend on the city for the world’s largest book fair. For me, today marks the
last day of a 20 – day speaking and book tour that took me throughout India (one of my favorite countries to
visit) to Istanbul (a fantastic place) and finally to this small German city. Learned so much these past three
weeks. Met so many amazing human beings who blessed me with their kindness. Been moved by the sea
change of people who are reaching for their greatest lives and leading by example. Perhaps most of all, I’ve
been reminded that few things are more important than building relationships.
How easy it is to forget that, ultimately, business and life is all about forging human bonds. Being
out on this tour, I laughed with my readers at book signings. I broke bread with the clients we do leadership
development work for. I drank coffee with my publishers. I got to know the people in this community that
has grown around my message. And they got to know me.
Big idea: People want to know that you are real. That you are decent, kind and trustworthy. They
want to feel you and sense you and look into your eyes to see what you are made of. They want to know
your passion for whatever it is you stand for. And when they sense that you are the real deal, they will open
up to you. when they see that you have their best interests in mind, they will trust you – and keep your best
interests in mind. Once they get that you are good, they’ll be good to you. And your career (along with your
life) will get to a place called world class based on those trust connections. It’s easy to forget that people do
business with people they like – and who make them feel good. Simple stuff – I know. Yet most of us just
don’t get around to becoming masterful at the basics. Success is all about consistency around the
fundamentals. The only thing that’s rocket science is rocket science.
It’s easy to forget that people do business
with people they like.
So I invite you to get out of your office and go circulate. Being out there makes good things
happen. Nothing really happens until you move. Shake hands. Do lunches. Show genuine interest. Spread
your good will. Evangelize your message. Remember that before someone will lend you a hand, you need
to touch their heart. And that business is all about relationships.
13.
Life Lessons from
SpongeBob Square Pants