Sustainability in Difficut Times: Building and Maintaining Relationships

I read a story in the paper yesterday about a 92 year-old who was in his teens during the Great Depression. He remembered his dad taping up value-less stocks on the wall and telling him "never buy stocks". They lost their home and all of their possessions, as many did during that time.

And yet, this gentleman went on to build a fortune, create a loving family, and at his age, teaches tai chi to others in his assisted care facility. He has lived a vibrant and full life. He made it through those dark days because he kept a perspective on what was valuable: his family, his passions, and his purpose in life.

There is a lot of fear being peddled in the news these days, and although many people I know are doing their best to keep their vibrations at a high level, the relentless bad news is hard to completely tune out. As people listen to the dire predictions and see their savings disappear, it's having an impact on lives and livelihoods around the world.

The simple truth is that no one knows what is going to happen in the next days, weeks, and years. Assuredly, the recovery is not going to be overnight. Our financial system will likely never be the same, and many people will lose all their material wealth. But what will come out of the ashes will be a stronger, better future, if we proceed with persistence, care, and vision.

There is another simple truth we can focus on during these times that will be critical to our sustainability: Our relationships with self, our families, our communities, and our clients.

I have written many times about using your writing to create relationships with your readers, whether it's an information product you are selling, a newsletter you are writing, or an article you are submitting. Sharing your values, your perspective, and your voice will do more to build your business than any marketing copy, sales letters, or lead generation strategies.

Thomas Leonard, the "Father of Coaching" used to say that "if you give information away, you will be rewarded in ways you can't imagine". When I stopped doing that for awhile in my business, the effects were not good.

The more you give, the more you'll receive, and sustaining your relationships is a top priority.

Look at strategies you can use to build your relationships with your readers.