It occurred to me that I did not get there right away! There was no fumbling with bra straps and underwear on the first date, I did not just "go-for-it" right away!
I played it cool!
Just as in business, I knew I had to earn the privilege to share this space with this incredible person, not to show disrespect with a "wham-bam-thank-you-ma'am, one night stand attitude."
I had to demonstrate that I was dedicated, I was here for the long term, before going to the next step.
I believe that if you give people a chance to get to know and respect you, before committing to any relationship, business or otherwise, it is the beginning of a wonderful relationship.
In the long run, you want to give them a reason to give it up for you, (money that is) because you are a professional (not that kind of professional) in what you do and moving forward with you is a wise and profitable decision for them and you.
It has to be win-win!That is what we are going to discuss here...
Earning the right to having a long term, win-win business relationship.
How do you do it?
Well, first you go on a few "dates", get to know each other; ensure there is some synergy between both parties, ensure there will be a mutual benefit in moving forward.
This could be sharing some of your knowledge, seeing if there is some common ground, ensure that you can in fact communicate on the same level. Show this person that you are someone who can trust who you are and understand your "intentions"; you are not just here for a quickie!
Maybe you have something they want?
Give them a reason to go on more than one "date" with you.
Make an offer they can't refuse, be willing to expose yourself without the expectation of anything in return, let them see some of "the goods."
If they accept your offer and reciprocate, then you are in business!
The next step is to keep their trust!
This is crucial; make sure you call the next day, stay in touch, get past the initial awkwardness of taking their money from them in exchange for what you have given them, let them know that you are not going anywhere; there is more where that came from and it only gets better over time, as get to know each other better and advance in your relationship.
Finally, always be faithful!
Do not screw around on this person, not even once because if you do the relationship will be over and your name will be out there as the person who cannot be trusted. This way you not only lose the relationship you worked so hard to establish, but you have eliminated a great number of other prospects for the future.
Always remember that the truth, your own judgment of who you are being, is painted on your face, comes through between the words that you speak and in the words that you write and just like the scent of a woman, your partner will always pick up if you have not been true to the relationship and that it could soon be over for you.
I sincerely hope that you have been entertained by what I had to say, but more importantly that you get the message that you want to always be a person that can walk with their head held high because your level of integrity can truly only be judged by you.
So, how about a date? A business date! Come see what I have to offer, maybe it is just what you have been looking for!