WIIFT?
No it’s not a typo.
We’re so used to seeing WIIFM that it makes sense that over time perhaps we’ve taken that on at an extreme level. In business, it can mean transactional relationships that only exist to get something from someone else, and in society, well, we’re seeing examples everywhere of people espousing their rights with no awareness of the social contract or their responsibilities to their communities.
So when you meet people like Jon Burgess, Founder and Managing Director of KWAN, it’s hard to believe there are people in business who make it THEIR BUSINESS to understand what can I bring to this conversation to support that person in what matters TO THEM!!
That’s right….TO THEM.
In fact, it’s his entire business model. He embodies it. His success comes from his ability to help turn the business conversation on its head by showing up with a desire to give over than the one to get. And if you need further proof of how well this approach to life and business works for him, his network is incredible in terms of its reach, influence but it’s the depth that makes his approach so unique.
Whether you’re in sales, or you’re in the market for a new role or you’ve started a business, connectedness with like minded individuals will be the difference between who emerges stronger from our current COVID situation and the ensuing recession.
Ask yourself these questions in order to get real about the depth of your connection with those in your network:
How often are my customers thinking of me without prompting?
How often does my network introduce me to connections with people that I can help or support or who can help and support me with no request by me?
What 2 things have your closest connections learnt from the last 6 months that they’ll take forward?
When was the last time you connected someone in your close connections with someone that can help them achieve a goal or move forward with something that matters TO THEM?
Who in your closest connections challenges your thinking to help you gain a greater level of awareness and insight? When was the last time you had a deeper conversation with them?
Transactional thinking and behaviour will not see you through this time. It doesn’t foster trust. Relationships and trust take time to cultivate and require your focus and energy. Would you concrete your veggie patch because your tomatoes didn’t grow in a week? That’s how many of us treat our networks: like they’re there to give me something when I need it.
Treat this time as an opportunity to foster the long term benefits of deeper connection with those in your network.
By showing up to give, not get you’ll uncover the value that is IIFY.