What’s in it for me?

Have you ever been in a meeting with a client or a stakeholder while they explain their next big project?

They tell you about all the amazing new technology they’ll be using and how it’s going to revolutionise their industry and you think “that’s great – but what’s in it for me?”

I know I have.

At first it surprised me and made me think “wow – my friend’s telling me about his great new business idea and I’m thinking what’s in it for me – I should try and be more supportive”.

But then I thought about it some more.

I started my first business when I was still in school. Since then I’ve grown a number of different businesses to become nationally recognised names in their industries.

Throughout all the years and all the different businesses there’s one thing that has always been the same – my desire to succeed.

To grow a business you’ve got to do it for yourself and for nobody else. That means when new opportunities come along you’ve got to ask “what’s in it for me?”.

People might say this is an irresponsible attitude to have in today’s economic climate but I disagree.

To grow a strong economy, we need lots of strong businesses.

Strong businesses are founded by people who say “what’s in it for me?”

Strong business partnerships are built on deals where both sides benefit because there’s something in it for them.

Strong economies are built on these business partnerships which create jobs and prosperity in their local areas.

Next time you’re in a meeting and someone’s explaining their great new business idea don’t worry about being polite – stand up and say “that’s a great idea – but what’s in it for me?”

Sometimes there’ll be nothing in it for you.

Other times there’ll be a little something in it for you.

Once or twice in a lifetime there’ll be something big in it for you.

Those once in a lifetime opportunities are when the partnerships are formed that will take your business to the next level, that will allow you to employ more staff, and will enable you to benefit everyone around you.

And it all starts with “what’s in it for me?”.