Word of the Month: Cultivate

Networking is not a new generation concept, but a very ancient Biblical concept. Networking is relational, connecting and bridge-building. Networking is the relational work that is done on a genuinely consistent basis, creating those invisible, but powerful connections that invite skills sharing, value-adding ideas and creativity - and trading of services which can ultimately result in new business and greater profitability. This is the essence of how we CULTIVATE our business (and other) relationships for long-term growth.

What I do believe is that you’ll remember those moments in your life when you were fully involved, fully belonging and fully appreciated, those moments when you gave yourself  completely to whatever it was you were doing. You will see those times for what they were – times when you were fully alive! ~ Robert Sieger

CULTIVATING your team starts with having a vision and a sense of purpose that is far bigger than something you are able to achieve on your own. To CULTIVATE your business requires having a spirit of generosity, of being aware of how you can deposit good seed into good soil of the people in your team. To CULTIVATE is based on the law of sowing and reaping. If you help others support their God-given dream and vision, God will help you build yours.

You will find, as you look back upon life, that the moments that stand out are the moments  when you have done things for others. ~ Henry Drummond

To CULTIVATE is to make heart-to-heart connections and build your networks around relationships rather than focusing solely on the returns you will get. Good CULTIVATION demands working with a good code of ethics, treating everyone courteously, running your business professionally and with great integrity. Essentially networking is about treating people the way you wish to be treated.

Begin with the end in mind. Where you would like to see yourself finishing is the clue as to where you need to sow, how you nourish, nurture and CULTIVATE to reap an abundant harvest. So go out and CULTIVATE your network, your team, your relationships and your success!

 

~ Angelique du Toit