New Jersey Enterpreneur - Small Business, Entrepreneurs and Venture Capital

A networking universe is usually comprised of two very distinct groups. One group I will identify as, Jedi Knights, aka: entrepreneurs. They usually make up to the majority of the networking community. The other group will be referred to as Mother Ships.

Simply defined, a Mother Ship is a company with several partners and usually supports a large army of employees. These companies generally enjoy a long history of success and are highly visible in the community. Very often a Mother Ship is considered to be a leader in their respective field. Typically a Mother Ship might be accounting firms, law firms, and large technology companies or marketing firms. When looking inside a Mother Ship you will notice each has a Commander (CEO or Managing Partner) a First Officer (CFO) and a Navigator, who is usually the officer responsible for business development. Without a doubt each of these decisions makers on the bridge of the Mother Ship can dramatically affect the business growth of many of the network’s members.

In addition to those in command each star cruiser has several other officers (partners) who have a variety of responsibilities in charting a course for continued growth and success. Each of these individuals influences the Mother Ships business development posture and its ability to successfully navigate through the universe.

Now let us look at the Jedi Knight, aka; the entrepreneur. Most Jedi Knights own smaller businesses such as mortgage companies, real estate firms, or companies controlled by two or three partners. Frequently a Jedi Knight is a sole proprietor. A well known key to a Jedi’s business success is finding new clients while developing contacts for future business. Every accomplished Jedi Knight knows the fuel for success is a pipeline full of fresh prospects. At times the challenge of flying around the business galaxy and securing sold leads can be overwhelming. One solution to keep the fuel supply of contacts flowing is for a Jedi Knight to join a business development group. Once joining this community it is a natural tendency for the Jedi to focus on the big target ~ the Mother Ships in the group. After all, it doesn't take a genius to realize the plethora of potential clients on board a business of that size.

A key mistake many Jedi make when targeting a Mother Ship is to become very aggressive. Most Jedi don’t understanding the obstacles they will face when trying to get on board. As Luke Skywalker learned, a smart Knight must harness the power of the ‘force’ in order to be invited aboard. Although this is the primary goal of most Jedi, getting the boarding invitation is only the first challenge in this quest for recognition by a Mother Ship.

Yes like the Jedi, the Mother Ship has entered the networking universe to take part in developing business and to help others succeed. But, unlike the Jedi the ability of the Mother Ship’s crew to help can be somewhat limited. Does this make a Mother Ship less capable of being a great networking partner? No not at all. Although at times the complexities in dealing with a Mother Ship can be difficult to accept, a knowledgeable Jedi Knight understands all the things that affect its course of action.

All of these facts bring us face to face with the Mother Ship Complex! To understand the ‘Complex’ a Jedi must be aware of who controls the Mother Ship. Who manages specific departments, who sets the course for business development and who is really in charge? All questions a Jedi must answer before attempting to network with a Mother Ship.

A veteran Jedi Knight will realize there are several reasons why a Mother Ship cannot simply give you all those referrals locked in their business archives. First of all, you must be aware the Mother Ship’s crew frequently has existing alliances with several successful business men and women throughout the galaxy. Many officers belong to a variety of other business development groups. In addition there are those long term business relationships that many of the decision makers have developed over the course of time. Yes, like it or not ~ you are not the only Jedi capable of providing a particular service. You are not alone ~ there are dozens wanting to climb on board the ship.

And if that’s not enough, another major obstacle facing the entrepreneur is negotiating the maze of what it takes to get to the bridge of the Mother Ship. As we said, this is where all the decision makers are located. On the bridge you will find the Commander, the Navigator and the First Officer all with the ability to make a decision that one day may affect you entire business career. Trying to influence any one of these individuals can be a monumental challenge. You must appreciate that every decision the Mother Ship makes has the potential to change the course of a relationship that may have been in place for decades.

So the logical question is ~ how does a Jedi get aboard a Mother Ship? It all comes down to one thing. The power of the ‘force’! What is the force? Another word for the force is ~ ‘trust’. How does one harness the powers of the force to get on board the Mother Ship and make their way to the bridge? Simply by allowing the force to be with you ~ build trust. How do you build this trust? You must work at it and trust me it takes a lot of time. Just as Obe One told Luke Skywalker, the force requires patience, understanding and vision. We all remember the line ~ "trust the force Luke". Well you must heed that warning and trust yourself completely. Trust your ability, trust your talent, and show everyone they can trust you. We understand trust is something that must be developed over time. You will never realize the powers of the force just by just exchanging business cards and having polite conversation. You must take action ~ affirmative action and show your value in order to harness the power of the force. It also requires demonstrating what make you different from other Jedi flying around the business galaxy all of whom are trying to get on board the Mother Ship.

Once getting aboard the Mother Ship you will have to convince the crewmembers that you understand the force and know the intricacies of building a relationship. And finally you should become a trusted advisor and familiar face to those in command. Then and only then will you understand the power of force and the mutual benefits a Jedi Knight and Mother Ship can share.

As you can see it can be challenge to navigate the intricacies of the Mother Ship Complex. Once you understand the force ~ your ride though the business universe will be filled with remarkable success.

Now you have the ability to successfully navigate the Mother Ship Complex.

Good luck ~ and let the force be with you ….