Reid Hoffman Says: Build Alliances
| 06 | Sep |
| 2012 |
When I interviewed Reid Hoffman recently, he used a particular word quite a few times to describe the ideal relationship: Alliance. The idea is that an “alliance” is a mutual relationship, where each party gives something to help advance the agenda of the other, or to advance a mutual agenda. It’s not what can you do for me, it’s what can we do for each other?
In his words: “Part of how you build relationships is by giving, starting by saying, ‘Look, I view this to be an alliance, here’s something I can help you with and work on with you.’ In saying that, I’m telling the person, ‘I view both of us to be important.’”
Generosity creates a vehicle for reciprocity.
To read or listen to the entire Social Capitalist interview with Reid, click here for the downloads. Question: How do you make sure new contacts understand that you “view them to be important”?
Comments
Thank you Keith and Reid. I found this useful.
The approach is more than common sense because I believe, culturally, people think of forming an alliance to benefit themselves more than they do to offer value first. That critical difference, I'm sure, makes all the difference in the results created for both parties.
And there is such spiritual power of whatever kind you believe in by reaching out to sincerely help others.
Submitted by Michael Toebe on Thu, 09/06/2012 - 21:24
Alliances is the best way to do business. You need to be careful who do you do alliances with. Alliances represent the future of your business or company. Best of luck.
Submitted by CBD on Fri, 09/07/2012 - 19:42
This is one of the most important relationship building strategy that proposed by Dale Carnegie before in his book "How to win friends and influence people". And it truly works.
Submitted by Kent on Fri, 09/07/2012 - 20:48
This is actually such a simple yet powerful insight Keith!
Building alliances is the basis of becoming a leader, it means that you do not only think about your own egocentric needs but that you serve others, and as history has shown us, this is where lies the true success of any leader; co-creating success.
Thanks for this, I retweeted it @nikolairay
Come take a look at my site and connect via email if you have a minute, I truly loved your book - read it 2-3 years ago and actually bought 3 copies for friends.
Submitted by Nikolaï Ray on Thu, 09/06/2012 - 03:29
I recommend this book. "Collaborate or Perish!: Reaching Across Boundaries in a Networked World" by William Bratton and Zachary Tumin
Submitted by Yvonne Chang on Tue, 09/11/2012 - 08:04
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