In response to your question: How do you balance your own success with that of focusing on others?

(1) I find that it’s rare that the two are mutually exclusive. If I write an article or make a presentation to inform and offer advice, I get the benefit of the added exposure. If I make a referral, there’s typically a reciprocal action. When I call a prospective client, I try to do so only to offer my help, but it often leads to getting paid work. Even when the act is seemingly purely altruistic, I get the pleasure of helping someone.

(2)I’ve also learned that the best way to achieve a “balance” is to focus on others. Self-interest is so rooted in my subconcious that I don’t need to worry about giving it equal attention. It is quite capable of looking out for itself!

Mel

Great question. How many lives and careers have suffered because the answer was wrongly defined?

Like you, I once defined success by the usual business metrics: sales volume, win rate, backlog, etc. Then it occured to me how fleeting this concept of success is. It’s a bit like mowing the lawn. When you’re done, it looks great and you feel satisfied. But then you have to do it all over again next week!

There’s much talk about building sustainable businesses these days. We won’t get there with a consumable brand of success. Sales are short-lived; we burn backlog everyday. But strong relationships continue to produce revenue for years, not to mention their other significant benefits. So sustainable businesses–and satisfying careers–are built on relationships.

In that context, I have made serving others the focal point of my consulting practice. That sounds trite, but I try to make it genuine. I don’t choose service as formula for business success. I choose it for it’s own inherent value and trust that my business will ultimately benefit.

But even if I never achieve real success as measured by the usual standards, I hope that I can take satisfaction in having served others well. Ultimately, that is the only enduring measure of success.

Mel

I don’t know if you can do these things without caring about people. I think your message is how to create success.

Success is telling your co-workers that, because of your efforts, they won’t be eating catfood for thanksgiving dinner this year. Throw tiny tim on your shoulders and then throw an extra piece of coal in the furnace.

On the other hand, success in life is measured by how many people attend your funeral and/or execution.

In this last 6 weeks, I have added over 150 to my relational network by living this principle. To read the story – click here – http://enrichnova.wordpress.com/2008/11/07/generosity-unleashed-to-over-100-families/

I greatly appreciate your blog. Your insight has greatly improved my networking abilities over the last year. Keep up the great coaching!