I recently spoke at my undergraduate alma mater, Clark University, in Worcester, MA.  One of the questions students repeatedly asked me is: what is the secret to success in business?  I told them that in my humble opinion, relationships are not only the secret to success in business but also in life.  Relationships are built one person at a time and depending on the individual may involve several potential factors such as: a connection, shared interests, shared beliefs, likeability, caring, love, goodness, camaraderie, etc.    

My entire career has been built around key relationships.  I truthfully never wanted to be around people I didn’t like or respect.  Life is far too short to be miserable.  At an early age, I was blessed with family and friends that really cared and of course I cared back.  I liken it to the movie “Good Will Hunting” when Robin Williams talks about how Chuckie (Ben Affleck) would lay down on train tracks for Will (Matt Damon).  I was lucky enough to have those relationships at an early age and build them with others over the years.  Relationships are tricky as people can encounter various issues with one another.  Yet if you maintain certain key characteristics, such as high integrity and caring, I find most relationships can persevere through adversity.  

In thinking about this question with Clark Students, my other realization is that I have not purposely set out to build business relationships over the years.  It just happened.  I certainly am drawn to people, and all kinds of folks at that.  I like people with varied interests and who are not always exactly like me.  But I now notice that I am drawn to those who are passionate and care, probably my two favorite traits, regardless of their personal and professional pursuits.  And even though unintentional, I have developed key relationships over the years and continue to do so in my business and personal life.  I clearly am passionate about people, and I believe relationship building is a secret to success in both business and life.