It takes a village

We have all heard the saying, “it takes a village to raise a child.” In addition, we have also heard people say that their personal creations are their “children.” A business for example: fostered and grown from idea to reality, from conception to present, can be seen as ones ‘child.’ Consequently, it takes a village to raise a business.

Too often, we underestimate the power of a trusted advisory. To have a group of experienced people around you, who have the interests of you, as well as your company, and vision at heart, is a key component that will set a business up for a successful start. No one can do it alone. But, how, we must ask ourselves, is it possible to choose the right people for the job? Surely, many people can create a business plan, pitch it to others and see who are the most ‘qualified’ to make it work; but something is missing. Where is that personal connection? What, besides money, is making this person(s) loyal to you? If times become hard and the well dries up, who is left to re-nourish the village? This is where a key and crucial factor to running a successful business comes into play: Relationships.  Ultimately, it is not simply who you know, but, how well you know them.

It is important to build reputable, rounded relationship with the people you work with. This will differentiate the quality and longevity of your business from others. The way to maintain meaningful relationships is to maintain fluid and consistent interaction. If a person can count on your call, e-mail or follow-up, they begin to look forward to it; thus, the give-and-take of a significant relationship begins to flourish.

It takes a village to make sure that this information train runs smoothly. Each person plays a pertinent role in keeping everyone informed. This means, if one person isn’t available, another has enough shared knowledge to continue the task. Relationships are one of those things that seem second nature; we are social beings. However, I bid to you, fellow Mavens’, pay greater attention to the relationships you form; groom them; because like a plant, given the required attention, they can grow beautifully, and with great variety.

We are the village of Maven.