Summary: We live in an increasingly connected world and it’s never been easier for us to make contact with others around the globe. Whether you want to make new contacts in your industry or niche, or if you want make connections with people who work outside your own field, technology has revolutionised this process.<br> However, the very systems that make this possible have also created a world in which we all seem permanently busy. We fire off hundreds of e-mails a week, take countless calls and scan through our social media accounts day and night. But, how much do we really listen to those around us? And how supportive of our friends and colleagues are we?<br> For all of us, but especially entrepreneurs, it’s easy to switch off as others seek help with a problem. I think we’re all guilty of this to an extent, especially when we’re trying to manage our own businesses. We have too much for ourselves to worry about, without taking on the problems of others. Does this lead to long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships though?<br> In this episode of the number one small business podcast, we’re speaking to former NBC and Wall Street Journal reporter Kare Anderson about how mutuality can help us forge relationships that will not only help our businesses but also improve our lives. Kare’s current area of expertise is connective behaviour and how it affects people and businesses. Her TED talk on this subject was hugely influential and she now covers this topic for Forbes and Huffington Post.<br> Kare believes that mutuality can help build and improve relationships. Changing a contact into an ally is a powerful transition. And the more that we help our allies, the more support, opportunities and connections we will receive in return. The more allies we make in different niches, the bigger our web of connectivity grows. Finding a sweet spot of mutual interest is the first step to forging a lasting, mutually beneficially alliance.<br> Issue Challenged in this Small Business Podcast Episode: How can we forge relationships that help us navigate the increasingly complex aspects of living in a connected world?<br> About Kare:<br> Kare Anderson is an Emmy award-winning former NBC and Wall Street Journal reporter. She currently works as a columnist for Huffington Post and Forbes magazine with a focus on connective behaviour.<br> Her TED talk, The Web of Humanity: Becoming an Opportunity Maker has been viewed more than a million times and her books have helped thousands of people around the world learn how to forge mutually beneficial relationships that create real benefits for their lives and businesses.<br> Kare has also worked as a public speaker for a vast array of clients including Novartis, Salesforce and The Skoll Foundation.<br> Actionable Tips:<br> <br> * Find allies who are different from yourself but with whom you share a sweet spot of mutual interest. Reach out, learn about them and be there to provide ideas and support.<br> * Be a favourite subject matter expert to a columnist or blogger in the world you seek to serve. Connect with them, cite them in your own work or offer up different perspectives on issues that they may be writing about. Pull them in by providing insight as opposed to pushing them away by demanding attention.<br> * Be quoted more frequently. You can achieve this by using the AIR formula. A – Is your message Actionable? I – Is your message Interesting enough to warrant people’s attention. Is it a unique perspective or does it contain something startling that will grab their attention? R – Does your message have Relevance? Are you speaking directly to something that’s already on their mind? AIR – Actionable. Interesting. Relevant.<br> <br> <br> Top Quotes:<br> <br> * “Listening is an act of love. Let people talk and find sweet spots of mutual interest.”<br> * “Check your assumptions and ask follow up questions. Notice when there’s a rise in energy or interest.
