Reciprocity Is A Powerful Key To Your Business Success

When I opened the Triad West Positively Powerful Program division some time ago, I knew that sponsorships and marketing would be important in the development of my Woman Awards, Summits and other events for transformational leadership. Being a tenacious learner and collaborative person, I asked a very successful and influential corporate woman who was a great sponsor and philanthropist, “How do you make an ask (the term used for requesting funding)?” She said one word, “Reciprocity”.

Reciprocity: mutual dependence, action, or influence. The practice of exchanging things with others for mutual benefit.

I’ve never forgotten this. At the time, like many entrepreneurs with a good idea, I didn’t have a lot of marketing dollars to build on but what I did have were my own unique ways to authentically reciprocate. They have proven to be beneficial in building my relationships and businesses. Here’s how reciprocity works. It is not just about the money.

• Successful businesses are based on successful relationships.
• Advocate for other people that you believe in. In the case of a company, tweet about them.
• Do virtual introductions and include why you are introducing them to each and what’s great about them.
• Respond authentically and in a positive manner to those that write, call, or email you. Do this consistently. Your silence could close the door on future beneficial opportunities for you and if nothing else make them wonder about the quality of the friendship.
• Support others financially to the extent that you can but don’t jeopardize your own financial situation. The same is true when your time, treasure, and talents are requested.
• Be kind and considerate. Don’t criticize or gossip about others.
• Say “no” with grace, empathy, and compassion when you are not the asker but the one who is being asked.
• You are a philanthropist – own it – and give what you can financially, with support, with wisdom, and/or by inspiring others. All of these are ways to make meaningful deposits into the banking account of your life. Reciprocity is giving back and paying it forward with intention.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Dr. Maya Angelou

Joel Martin, Ph.D., MA, BFA, Wharton Fellow is an international practitioner of leadership development, diversity, and inclusion and an executive coach. She’s focused on what works now in the real world and how to apply it in ways that matter. She is a 15+ Year International Training Designer and Facilitator, President Triad West Inc., Founder Positively Powerful Woman Awards and Programs known and is known as the Transformation Generator.