15 Jun Relationships

Relationship driven – that’s how I do life.  That’s how I do business too.  This is the secret to “me”.  No big mystery.  I just want the best for those around me – family, clients, neighbors and friends.

Occasionally you come across a company that moves from vendor to friend.  Zywave is one.  Connie Johnston was the “salesperson” that broke through the ice with me.  She – she gets it.  I’m STILL mad at her employer for promoting her because she’s a favorite. 🙂  The capable hands I find myself in now are Lauren Roemer who is excited about my firm’s success and how it plays into their success.  It’s symbiotic.  That’s the way it should be.

Yesterday, I had a chance to sit on a panel and share with others that success.  I didn’t prep for it – just straight from my heart.  And then they drop a little extra gift on me after that was all said & done. I was floored by the thoughtfulness and generosity. 

My Daddy told me when I started this firm (and he was a farmer / letter carrier by trade) :

“Life is too short to work with people you don’t like.”

As I am knee deep in July renewals and business planning for my fiscal year, I’m embracing that wisdom more and more each day.  That may offend the sensibilities of some.  Ok.  You do you.  But life is sure a lot sweeter when we can do business with folks we like – and even love.

I’d wish that for EVERY potential and current client.  That’s what I aim to extend from our firm to clients.  Relationship, care, integrity, creativity, and highly skilled, educated professionalism.  But more than I care to see, some leave for the “shiny” brokerage down the street that blusters about their “capabilities”, bullies their underwriters, and BS’s their way into a place where all they’ve done is make promises.  But I’m patient.  Time reveals what was true and what was false.

Bigger isn’t always better.  As a matter of fact, I make a strong business case for why you should work with a boutique firm .  But I’ll save that as a blog for another day.

Until then, think about what my Daddy said.  Find some folks you like working with.  That includes BEING likable yourself.  It’s the best life / business advice I can give anyone today.

Cheers!

  – Allan