The phone rings. I answer, “This is Jerry Fletcher, how can
I help you?”

It sounds pretty normal, right?

Two young professionals each remarked on that simple phrase
yesterday.

Brenda said, “I thought you were just being gracious, but now
that you’ve met with me I know you meant it. How can I help you?”

Josh told me after about an hour of helping him sort out his
ideas about ideal customers where to find them and how to stand out from the
crowd, “I really want to find a way to repay you for the advice.”

This is the gem at the heart of relational networking. It is
the pearl I wrote of in an article first published a generation ago entitled
Pearl Diving. (You’ll find a copy on the resources page of my consulting web
site if that link doesn’t get you there.)

Each person you meet has been formed by years of rolling
around in a life filled with experiences you have not been touched by.

They can tell you about times, places and things you’ve
not experienced.

Each person you bend an ear to and assist can provide you
with insight into paths you haven’t taken and visions you have not dreamed.

They will help you choose the better course and give
you foresight.

Each person you help with no expectation of return will,
almost inevitably provide you with assistance.

Each is a pearl.

Each gem of a contact will improve your life …if you help
them better theirs.

Every business deal begins with a single connection. That
relationship can only be built and sustained by true caring. Try it. Ask how
you can help. Then do it. Just do it.

---

Learn more about Jerry Fletcher’s approach at www.JerryFletcher.com

Looking for a speaker? Go to www.NetworkingNinja.com