Networking is important in the information age — that means developing relationships and creating contacts. A circle of influence is a group of people with whom you can exchange ideas and gain insight. Relationship building is an important skill for businesspeople, and an online MBA program can help working professionals develop this skill set to advance their careers.
Building Relationships
According to entrepreneur Martin Zwillig, “The breadth and depth of your relationship networks is more critical to your business success than your ability to define and build the perfect solution.” Relationship building skills help professionals develop a circle of people through whom they can expand their businesses and professional opportunities.
The best way to build a circle is to follow through on professional commitments; trust and regard are critical elements of successful circles of influence. Because conflict can sour professional relationships, disagreements require diplomatic resolution rather than emotional outbursts. Maintaining contact with other professionals by attending conferences or sharing business lunches is a good way of discouraging disagreements, as it helps familiarize contacts with others’ personalities.
Online MBA Program
For many, an important opportunity for developing relationship-building skills is in an online MBA program. Networking online is as important as it is in person. By studying online, MBA candidates will learn how to develop profiles that will appeal to any hiring manager. Students will also learn how to communicate with other business professionals using appropriate jargon and body language.
In addition, students will work with professors and others in their cohort to determine which specialty or focus suits them best. Graduates will likely wear many hats over the course of their careers, so knowing which strengths of focus to start from, and how to effectively communicate in different roles, makes MBAs invaluable to their companies or organizations.
Relationships are important to the development of a strong circle of influence. Studying for an MBA can help working professionals master the skills necessary to build important business relationships. A circle of influence is important when growing a business, building a resume or developing new ideas, and the right network of contacts can make the difference between success or failure.
Learn more about the Lamar University online MBA programs.
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