“Business is business.” says the old adage. It is, of course, true. Naïvety, anxiety, or eagerness can cloud issues of business and lead to unsupported judgments and decisions. It is not immediately apparent that trust in the business world is something to be reserved for the most solid of relationships — though none is probably a safer bet. “Trust no one” sounds paranoid, but when it comes to your money, your livelihood, and your future, it should be considered default policy.
In business, competitors are after one thing: the bottom line. Through superior market share, business tactics, and strategic partnerships they are attempting to improve their bottom line with every decision that is made. It is thus important to respect your competitors and the methods they employ if you too seek to improve your bottom line. This is news to no one, though: everyone knows to be guarded from and aware of competitors. It is less traditional, however, to hear about guarding yourself from your partners and coworkers.
Just as with competitors, your partners and coworkers are after their own bottom line. It just so happens that most of the time you are striving for the same united bottom line of your company. Given the decision between improving their personal bottom line and your general well-being, though, all partners have a limit past which they are selfish by nature.
Be aware, then, of the people you surround yourself with and the deals that you make. When profits get skinny and deals go sour, you should not rely on anyone but yourself for resolution. That said, it is also important to be as courteous and helpful as possible toward all of your business partners. Give people the benefit of the doubt when it is possible for you to help them without great penalty to your own livelihood. A continued presence of courtesy and genuine care in the business world will only help you make more and better strategic partnerships.
The take home from all of this is simple: know your friends, know your enemies, be courteous, get everything in writing, and never forget that business is business.
Mmmm.