By Marlys Fox
Quid Pro Quo: In many ways, that simple phrase represents the core of business relationships.
There are plenty of expressions to express this. You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours. If I can do this for you, what can you do for me in return? You gotta give a little to get a little! Hey, you owe me one! (And indeed I do/you do.)
And more, all the way down to: “You take care of mama; mama take care of you!”
Marlys Fox.
It’s pretty much how business works. Sometimes it’s more subtle and sometimes it’s outright absolute! But there’s so much more, and that’s my point.
Just because you have business relationships doesn’t mean that’s all they are—or need to be. You care about your customers. They care about you. Over time, you get to know each other as friends. You learn about their careers, their families, their aspirations.
That, I suggest, is the norm. And smooth negotiation drives it all, so these relationships don’t end up feeling cynical, wouldn’t you say?
So I’m inviting you, the readers of Fox Tales, to share with me (and all of us) your thoughts on this subject. Tell us about some anecdotal interchanges that are memorable, that remain etched in your soul!
I’ll do a follow-up in a future issue where I share some of these anecdotes. I won’t reveal any sources of input from you for this project. Your contributions will be anonymous.
My request: Help me prove the concept I’ve presented. Give me a thought or two on what would make you feel appreciated for your time and input.
Marlys