I was reminded last night about what I believe every relationship needs. I call it the 4 C's: Communication, Compromise, Compassion, and Commitment. While I believe undeniably that these are needed very strongly in a romantic relationship, I also believe it is needed in a professional relationship as well. That is what I want to discuss; a professional relationship that I like to have.
Communication
Communication is the key to all understanding. Communication is also a fantastic way to educate and to build trust. If a person has an understanding of why I am recommending something, then I believe I have done what is right by educating them enough to make a solid decision. If for example, someone does not communicate to me their current needs, and I come back to them with a recommendation that did not address any of their current needs -then there was a problem with our communication. That leads to a lack of trust, and potentially leads to questioning someone's honesty.
Compromise
Compromise in business usually means that in order to get good service you need to compromise on price or vice versa. In my business compromise means something entirely different. Compromise in my business is taking a little from this pocket and moving it over to another pocket. Compromise is putting that $4 that is usually spent on that morning coffee to work for you and not towards that coffee. Compromise is letting 1% to 3% protect the other 97%.
Compassion
Compassion - a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering. My career depends on this. In my profession is it said that you never know how good of a career choice you've made until you deliver your first benefit check. This is the very foundation of my belief in my business. I have the 'strong desire to alleviate the suffering', which is entirely why I do what I do. I want to help other people achieve things that they didn't know how to achieve before.
Commitment
Commitment in business is gaining understanding and then moving forward with a plan. In my business it is no different. The types of products that I have available to my clients are ones that take commitment; they are not short sighted. Please understand that just as a client is committed to their plan, I am committed to the client. My whole purpose is to understand where the client is and where they want to go. Then, it is my duty to submit a plan that they could follow. That is my commitment to the client that I will find a good plan/product mix to achieve their goals.
