JIM ADAMS * Toronto, Canada * DECEMBER THEME - RELATIONSHIPS * Interview by Karla Darocas

[Karla Darocas *New Frontier]

While the economic world is shifting, it is a time for entrepreneurs to get back to their roots. It is also a time for new business students to learn from the best. In December's issue of New Frontier, we explore the basics of building better business relationships. This interview with Jim Adams, native of Toronto, Canada is a super - back to basics - bare bones - insightful look at some very interesting truths about global business relationships.

Jim Adams is an entrepreneur, deal maker and educator. He is an entrepreneur because he takes what he learns from his clients and turns them into new business opportunities - for himself. He is a deal-maker because he is a good networker and can bring people together from right around the world. Jim's an educator because he wants to leave his clients with lasting knowledge, so they can always improve their business and help to explain how it fits into the bigger picture.

Sincere thanks to Johnny Powers from Ontario, Canada - for recommending Jim Adams to New Frontier.

****************
NEW FRONTIER INTERVIEW * PROFILE
*Name: Jim Adams
*Nationality: Canadian
*Current Living / Working Location/s: Toronto, Canada
*Type of Enterprises: The Venture Catalysts - Business Development Consulting, TVC-Hosting.com - Web Hosting, Vibe Creative - Marketing Services, Overseasjobz.ca - entrepreneurial immigration services
*Years in Operation: 8
****************

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS


Q* Jim Adams – With your experience, how can you tell if someone is going to be a good candidate for a business relationship?

A* It takes all kinds to make the world go round. I've been exposed to all of them. The five key attributes for me are:

1. Focus - they know how to keep their "eyes on the prize".
2. Commitment - This is an extension of focus. Building businesses can take time. It took me 7 years to get my business to the point where I'm starting to be happy with it.
3. Team Builder - You need more than yourself to build a business - unless you just want to be self-employed. Engage, connect, find people's strengths and help them battle their weaknesses and you will build a team that will grow your business - even when you're not there.
4. Honest with themselves - It's no good talking to someone about their business if they aren't honest about the business and about themselves.
5. Reliability - This can be as simple as being on time for a meeting, delivering information when needed and certainly paying when promised!


Q* In your life – would you say that business relationships come and go based on their particular circumstances?

A* What I've found is that a good business relationship will outlast everything else. Right now I'm starting to work with someone that I had enjoyed working with in the last real job I had. Management (and I use that term loosely) was a nightmare, but we worked together well and our business relationship has lasted almost 14 years so far.

If people are good, you'll always find ways to reconnect even if the project goes sour.


Q* Do you ever find that an old or new business relationship can go sour?
If so – how do you deal with the break up?

A* Business relationships go sour all the time. The way I deal with the break-up is to be professional as best I can and try to explain why it didn't work. In some cases, if I feel the person is so closed off and can't understand why I don't want to work with them, I'll say that I need to do something different. I always want to walk away with the option to allow them back into my life if they do change.


Q* How do you initiate a business relationship? Can you give 5 actions that can be put forth to make the connection and lock it in?

A* TIPS
1. Demonstrate I know their business. In the first meeting I usually talk about some of the barriers their business faces, discuss their competition, etc.
2. Give them what they need to know about me. I usually do a variation of the Australian "Walk-about". I give them a tour of the work I've done.
3. Show I've got a solution to their problem
4. Show how I can work with them
5. Introduce others into their world that can help them - even if I don't benefit directly. Introduce clients, mentors, bankers, etc.


Q* Do you believe that business relationships can turn into personal relationships? Do you encourage this or do you find it safer to keep business and personal relationships – separate?

A* A good business relationship always turns into a personal relationship. Both are based on trust and common interests. What happens for me is
that a personal relationship naturally grows out of a good business relationship. I'll find myself wanting to have more meaningful contact - getting to know their personal lives and wanting to share ideas, concerns and interests.