How much do you know about black bamboo? Prior to several days ago, I had never heard of it. Although I had probably seen it before, black bamboo was never something to stick out in my mind. Then, I read an intriguing account of observing the care taken in raising these bamboo stalks. Jim Cecil of Nurture Marketing tells a story of touring a farm of living black bamboo and learning about the extensive amount of care that goes into fostering the bamboo. Cecil uses this experience to discuss the importance of harvest – whether you’re trying to raise black bamboo or nurture a developing business relationship.
Just as the bamboo farmers must be meticulous in planting seeds and caring for the land, we must also be diligent in planting the seeds of relationships with others. We have to take our time in order to properly let the relationships grow – perhaps even utilizing a “five-year growth cycle,” as they do with the black bamboo.
The best formula for anything to grow abundantly is proper care. It may be best to break the process down into stages: tilling the soil (introduction), planting seeds (foundation), water and sunlight (consistent connection), and picking the crop (using the relationship for everyone’s advantage). When you create a system that works for you, use it regularly. If you start to see that your “crop” is still failing, change the system until you find something that bears fruit.
Relationships, like black bamboo, often take a long time to truly be ready. That’s okay. Patience is the best thing that you can use in your system. And remember that using a relationship, such as making a sale or enlarging your network, should be beneficial to everyone involved. Daymond John – CEO of Fubu, Shark Tank investor and serial entrepreneur – has said, “I think you have to be somebody who thinks about what’s in it for the other person.” Selling black bamboo simply for the sake of making money isn’t based on a solid, mutual relationship. However, selling black bamboo to a Chinese doctor is benefiting you – as you make profit – and the doctor, as well as patients who utilize the bamboo for medicinal purposes.
Find your process for harvesting your relationships. Through time, patience, and a little bit of love, you will be able to see amazing growth.
