In this course we learned about how to build stronger relationships. building strong relationships is a very important element of your executive presence. Because for us to do business with someone, we need to know them fairly well. Tom Spaulding talks about chirping birds, as someone who gets an opportunity to build a relationship, but abuses the opportunity by making an ask to advance their own interests first, chirping birds are willing to sacrifice building a relationship to get something they want, maybe to make a pitch to ask a favor or make another important connection. Never abused early opportunities to develop deeper relationships. Business will always follow deeper relationships, not the other way around.

Focus on how you can help others first and worry less about how the relationship will help you now, that will come as the relationship reaches higher levels. In fact, instead of thinking about relationships as a means to getting More for ourselves. Spalding suggests that we should look at relationships from the opposite perspective. He calls this playing to give. For example, how can we connect people? How can we anticipate the needs of others?

Consider seeking advice from others instead of asking for their business? reframe the question to ask the other party, what can strengthen the relationship instead of asking what they can do for you. This helps you uncover their vision and can improve collaboration opportunities, and the possibility of creating a shared vision. Finally, how do we acknowledge those in our upper level relationships, get creative and how you express your special gratitude those important people in your personal and professional lives? Here's some examples. Send handwritten notes, give pumpkins at Halloween, or send flowers on their birthday.

Spontaneously reach out, send articles, books or anything that might be of interest to your contact. congratulate them sincerely on their achievements. So as Blair and I send you on your way to build strong relationships, let's recap the key themes covered in this course. Number one, executive presence almost always embodies an element of emotional and social intelligence. Try some strategies on how to meet someone for the first time, whether it's through a formal business meeting, or a less formal networking event. Remember what we talked about making positive first impressions and being a great conversationalist.

And finally, recognize the five levels of relationships and apply some of the ideas we shared, or come up with some of your own. whatever you can do to get closer to people. Remember to put their interests ahead of your own. Your reward comes in the form of a deeper relationships and business always follows deeper relationships, not the other way around.