Lesson 5 from New York

LESSON (5) In our world of access to intimacy, even with strangers, being inconsiderate is inexcusable.

Michael

gave a great example of this.  After months of preparation for the launch of his new book Booked Solid, he and his team had achieved the mountaintop.  The launch was a phenomenal success. Did I mention he's Amazon Business Book Number 2?

So what did someone - basically a stranger - do the day after the big launch?  They wrote a lengthy email to Michael proposing a big project.  Now when I say lengthy, I mean lengthy - Michael talked about the email on his phone - dense paragraphs of text, etc.

Michael said a few things about this at the event, but here's what I can add.  If you want to build a relationship with and perhaps create something together that supports both of our businesses - don't give me something heavy to lift the day after I've completed something big.  It's inconsiderate.

Solution? Relate.  Relate to your potential partners as real people with real lives.  Look for opportunities to build real relationships.  How about a congratulations note to Michael, plain and simple?  Read blogs, newsletters and the acknowledgements section of books.  Listen to podcasts, attend free calls.  Enter the stream of conversation that's going on, and

*then* decide how to approach the person.

Remember, the best, most profitable and most meaningful joint ventures occur when two or more businesses on their chosen course, intersect, like two streets crossing each other.  The intersection is where the cool stuff happens - all parties benefit.

Don't try to go through an intersection if it's closed for the moment doing repairs or opening up a few extra lanes. Get it?