The Secret Formula for Business Success!

After 23 years in business, 6 years teaching business at university, 9 years running numerous projects of all sizes, 1 failed start-up, and 1 growing-strong start-up (Sorry, I had to stop typing because I needed a hand to knock on wood with).

...I have formulated what I think is the secret to business success, especially in the project environment.

Not surprisingly, it has to do with people. After all, they're the ones doing the project work right; the project schedule doesn't do it! It simply depicts the work to be done.

Anyway, without further ado, here it is, in my humble opinion, the secret formula for business success...

Business is about relationships, relationships are about trust, and trust is about service.

Service in this context is doing something for someone first, i.e. providing them with value before you ask anything of them. You and your actions are the catalyst. You start the value chain reaction.

If I do for you what I said I would, you begin to trust me to continue to do so. Over time, as long as I deliver consistently, you come to trust me to do what I say.

Once you feel you can trust someone, now you'll give your all back to make it go. That is one of the fundamental reasons our American Military is so strong and durable. Each member knows each other member will do for them first.

Likewise, on each project, the team members and stakeholders trust you to do what you say because you've shown them the plan. As you do it, they reciprocate action and support, which makes your projects successful. Trust grows, then relationships, then business results.

It holds with customers and vendors as well. After cracking this code, I now use it in all of my dealings. I put myself in the others' position, and ponder "What do I need from Wright?" Once I can answer this question, I provide and seek feedback so I can add value to them first. It works.

I under promise on what value I can bring, and then I over deliver on it, first. Trust grows. Then action and support grows. Then collaborative relationships grow. And that's what business is about, results.

Remember, business is about relationships, relationships are about trust, and trust is about service. You have to provide value first. Here's to your success.