The Power of Relationships

A few months ago, I had the distinct pleasure to be introduced to two great businessmen and philanthropists by a friend and business partner of mine, Hassan Kareem. I was working on a project when I received the call…. “hey man, I need you to meet someone that I think you should know.” Normally, I don’t meet up or randomly make connections off of the cuff, but when you have people in your life that you trust and know who have your best interest at heart, you make exceptions. I called this respecting the power of relationships.

Some people are placed in your life for a brief season, while others are meant to be there for the long haul. The question is: can you differentiate who’s who? The connection was made from a relationship that put things in motion. Gigaré Lifestyle Magazine, an internationally recognized e-publication, was about to cover a ground-breaking story on the legacy and life of two noteworthy individuals. Gregory Eaton has been to all 49 Super Bowls and John Bernard has accompanied him for the last 29. Their stories, both in the sports and in the business arena, are mind blowing. If you don’t know who these gentlemen are, please stop, google and learn.

On this particular day, there was a Lansing/Florida connection; my friend and business partner, Hassan Kareem, who is a global photographer and founder of Brotha Love Productions is from Lansing, Michigan; and he connected me with the legendary serial entrepreneur/philanthropist – Gregory Eaton and his friend, wealth management icon/philanthropist – John Bernard, who is also from Michigan. Unknown to me, I asked my friend OD Harris, founder of Wize Tax Service & national and executive film producer on multiple projects in Arizona, to accompany me for this interview. When we arrived at the lovely home of Dr. Judy Greene, Radiologist in Phoenix, Arizona, it was amazing how the power of relationships literally open a warm door of hospitality for the interview. Once we began to set up and talk, I found that he too was also from Lansing, Michigan! Stay tuned for clips of the Gigaré Lifestyle TV interview with Dr. Vernet of Lansing serial entrepreneurs /philanthropists, Gregory Eaton and John Bernard. Interview filmed and edited by OD Harris.

My mind doesn’t work like most people. Honestly, I used to think that everyone thought like I did; but being a world traveler, I quickly realized that I am just different. This was during an extremely (busy) time, for the lack of better words. All who know me know that I stand for productivity; which is anything but busy! I was in the midst of revising one of my training programs that I conduct to impact entrepreneurs and executives called “My Most Productive Year.” Arizona was literally coming off the hype of two power-packed weeks of national attention due to hosting the Pro-Bowl in Glendale, AZ and then a week later hosting Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium with 114.4 million viewers per minute; and simultaneously, the Waste Management Phoenix Open in TPC Scottsdale, AZ with well over 83,552 spectators. As you could imagine, Arizona was the talk and focal point of all things media for those and the weeks leading up to these two major events.

Imagine the time, effort and coordination that was put into contracting, materializing and eventually bringing these events together. The collaboration of multiple agencies not to mention the security, health and welfare of millions of people converging on Arizona in multiple locations at the same time. I commend the police department, city officials and all the volunteers from various organizations for their spirit of unity and showing the world why we, Arizona – the six largest city, should be considered for all major conferences; whether it is sports oriented or economic centered.

Relationships are so powerful; if you have the proper perspective and mentality towards their purpose. Here are three levels of relationships in my opinion that shape success globally.

Partnership– is often defined as an arrangement where two or more parties, known as partners agree to cooperate to advance mutual interests.

The power behind this type of relationship is that two heads are better than one; and when you capitalize on the strength of others to compensate for your weakness, it builds a strong team.

Mentorship– is a personal, developmental relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person.

The power behind this type of relationship is that you have the ability to learn and grow in leaps and bounds by taking the opportunity to tap into someone else’s experience or experiences. I don’t believe in the statement, “…Let me make my own mistakes;” especially when a more excellent way is available.

Friendship– is a relationship of mutual affection between two or more people.

The power behind this type of relationship in my opinion is that it is the strongest, most influential bond that one could associate with outside of marriage. Some would disagree, but that is my story and I am sticking to it.

Your Partner in Productivity

Dr. Vernet A. Joseph

www.livetoproduce.com