Friendship and Business !

There’s this old adage that says “Never mix friendship with Business” but in life sometimes, you can’t do without both. Ever heard of the phrase that ‘two cannot walk together unless they are in agreement’?” That’s why today I want to talk about friends, friendship and Business! What a topic?
In Your life and of course in Your Business life, many people will walk into your life but only the true friends will leave footprints in your heart. Meeting with others is enjoyment and you find that learning about their successes, struggles and mistakes helps you to understand yourself better. They say “we learn through mistakes” but I say to you “Better Learn from other peoples mistakes because you can’t live long enough to make all of them yourself”
(On a light note, I received this one from a friend “Never make the same mistake twice, There are so many new ones, Try a different one each day” Well that’s what I call positive attitude)
Learning to handle criticism (especially from your friends) is also very important. Sometimes through the eyes of others, you are able to see the back of your own head! An ordinary friend is a one who hates it when you call after he has gone to bed but a true friend will ask you why you took so long to call!
You probably ask yourself, if it’s practically possible to have only friends in your life. This is the thing that stops many people in their tracks, including me. But then come to think of it, those who compete with you are not necessarily enemies. Know What? When your competition come Chasing after you, they are making you tone your up your ‘muscles’ so that you keep running without getting weary. When you run with the ‘END’ in mind who cares about the hurdles? You just keep jumping over them all the while, focusing on the Prize. As I watch Kenyan Athletes go for the Gold in the marathons, I imagine that Great athletes are not made in the track fields... they are made in the mind first then the track field. You must have an attitude of a winner. Run your ‘race’ of life with the “END” in mind.
I received this from another friend and I quote: - “When a Snake is alive, Snake eat Ants. When Snake is dead, Ants eat Snake. Time can turn at any time.” Very interesting indeed! Lesson? Even your enemy can be of use at times. Don't neglect anyone in your life........ ...God knows why they are there.
Back to friendships again...the notion that business relationships can become friendships (or vice versa) is not new in our world today. It is not uncommon for instance to hear Marketers especially after a successful Business deal, request for business referrals. All they are eying are your close friends, the like-minded individuals. The Power of referral marketing is immense because Studies show that it is one of the fastest tools to reach the end user.
Forming friendship NetWorks are essential in developing expanding your business horizons especially where they are aimed at growing businesses and participating in Networking events. They help members to realise their full Business potential. Friendship Networks also provide valuable network of contacts and encourages, trade, information sharing and support between Members. They also provide access to seminars and workshops for professional and personal development as well as Inspire and encourage members to develop professionally and drive them forward for success in business. Others advantages include:-

• Encouraging and support of new Enterprises by providing support to those looking to set up business of their own.
• Provide a central hub for like-minded individuals to share information, ideas and knowledge and develop friendships in a team Spirit.
• They also raise the awareness of local talents and resources that they have to offer.

I leave you with these parting shots:-
"Friend’s you and me…...
You brought another friend…..
And then there were three…..
We started our group …..
Our circle of friends…..
And like that circle…..
There’s no beginning or end…..
True friends are like “Jewels"...Pecious yet rare”.

"Whenever you want to know how rich you are, Never count your currency, just try to Drop a Tear & count how many hands reach out to WIPE that- that is true richness”
Have a friendly business week!