Relationships with Senior People are like gold to an Analyst or Associate. Most of the time, your future with the company is going to be determined by your relationships, your work quality, and your work ethic. If you’re able to have an ally in those senior or C level exec meetings, it’s going to be […]
Relationships with Senior People are like gold to an Analyst or Associate.
Most of the time, your future with the company is going to be determined by your relationships, your work quality, and your work ethic.
If you're able to have an ally in those senior or C level exec meetings, it's going to be wonderous for your career progression.
It does take time to build rapport with senior people, unless you have one going in, or they are your boss.
1Most of the time, you'll be working with lower-level people when you begin, other Analysts, Associates, VP's and some MD's.
Everyone is trying to build a great relationship and impress the MD or higher personnel, but it’s how can you be different, or stand out in a good way.
We recommend having a strategy that complements your working hard and being respectful.
This guide is going to give you some ideas and strategies to do just that.
Let's dive in...
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Any relationship is built on an exchange of values between two people.
Even if you think, there's nothing you have a senior level person could possible want, there is, you just don't see it yet.
Every single person on this planet has time and a unique set of experiences.
Some people know exactly what to do with theirs, and how to use it, and others don't.
3See what's causing the senior person pain or distress and figure out a way to help them.
Could they use an electronically savvy hand from time to time? Be that guy and dedicate your time to helping them.
Is their kid going to college and could use a recent graduate’s advice? Offer to have a phone call with them.
4The best way to start a successful relationship is by over-delivering value to the other side.
This can happen in many ways, shape, or form, its just a matter of being aware, then bringing awareness, sacrificing, and executing on it.
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This one is though, and a constant struggle.
Every person dealing with senior-level people most likely has an angle or an ulterior motive to get something out of them.
If you're the guy who doesn't, they will notice. After all, they have to be pretty smart, if they've been able to become a senior-level person, right?
6The key is not expecting.
It's tough when you're sacrificing yourself, or doing something you don't have to, but it's worth it.
If everyone is trying to get something from them, and you aren’t, that’s a pretty good way to separate yourself, in a positive light.
It might be tough, and a fight of your emotions, but it will probably worth your while.
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In order to get something different, you have to do something different, bottom line.
So, don't be upset or feel ashamed because you're doing something no one else is doing.
It’s tough, and A LOT easier said than done, but if you believe in what you're doing, and think it will pay off, then stick to it.
8The greatest company's slogan in the world, "Apple: Think Different."
It might take a little time and pain to get to your goal, but if you’re willing to fight through it, you can get there.
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Essentially, you're trying to keep them up to date and aware of what's going on.
This will come from a shared value or an interest you both have.
Whether it’s a hobby, passion, or just something you both have in common, find something you can share with them.
10If you understand their interests, and what they enjoy, then you know exactly what to send them.
If you find something that you think it's interesting, think if it’s appropriate and if they would be interested in seeing it as well.
Odds are they’ll be appreciative and interested in the same way you would be if you were on the receiving end.
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This is key, and almost a pre-requisite.
If you want to build a real relationship, then this is a must.
You have to respect them for the work they have done, the person they have become, and the results they have been able to produce.
This is almost given because without this you can’t have any relationship, let alone with someone everyone wants to have relationship with.
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Any conversation can give you incredibly insight into how to build a great relationship with them.
That's why, it's very important to listen to what they are saying, both with their words and with their body language.
It’s important not to force anything or be a pest but sending a note or an update here or there will probably be appreciated.
Remember, you have two ears, but only one mouth. Listen up!
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Even if you're just sending them articles, or updates about what you're up to. Odds are you think it’s always nice to hear from someone you liked or enjoyed, probably they do too.
Eventually, after you do this long enough, you'll get into a good grove with them in what they like, and what is send versus not send material.
It takes time and practice, you'll miss on a few, but eventually, you'll have a nice relationship.
The expression is use it, or lose it, and if you’ve built it, odds are you want to keep it.
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Find new ways to provide value, even after you have built a great relationship.
New skills, new books, new businesses.
It's great to keep the relationship evolving and growing.
15In order to take a relationship to a new level, you have to introduce something new.
Everybody is interested in and curious about something new, you just have to create or obtain valuable information and share it with them.
Have fun and explore new things, and possibly even bring them for the ride.
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After all the hard work, and having built a relationship with someone.
The last thing you want to do is to lose the trust you worked so hard to build.
Preserve it, build upon it, and improve upon it when you can.
17Trust is the most precious resource, and it is critical that you treat it and respect it like it is.
This is even more important for senior-level people who have been around the block, and value trust.
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This one is tough because it’s walking the fine line of what you should give, and what you should take.
In any relationship, it's important to have both.
But, as the party who is interested and motivated in building a relationship, you're going to have to give more than you take.
It's also worth noting, you're definitely going to have to give more than you take upfront.
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If you believe in the relationship, and the potential of what the relationship could bring, then keep going for it.
If someone can be good for you and your career, it doesn't mean it will be good for others and their career.
Don't let others' opinions or words influence you and your actions.
20Even if they call you crazy or stupid, stay true to your feelings and beliefs.
It isn't easy to sacrifice in the first place, and it's even harder when the people around you aren't supportive.
But it will be worthwhile.
Keep pushing, you'll get there.
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Ask for something minor.
Only when you feel comfortable enough, or when you have over delivered is when you should ask for something.
It’s important not to ask for something too big, but you also want to get something you value as well.
Relationships are meant to be a two-way street. If you’ve given enough value to the other side, you can ask for something in return after all that giving.
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Building relationships with anyone is tricky, but doable.
It’s important to be persistent, have the right mindset, not be pushy, and view them as just another person.
If you put them on a pedestal, it's going to be much tougher to build a great relationship.
At the end of the day, they are people, like you and me, and they have to go to the bathroom, eat, and drink like everyone else.
23The work they've done or the results they've produced are reasons to respect them, not to idolize them.
Keep building new relationships, good ones are awesome, and bad ones dwindle away.
Keep going and building...
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