Build your new year on authentic relationships.

All this talk about electronic communication highlights what's often unsaid — personal relationships are most powerful. That's the subject of a great new book I was privileged to help with: The neXus Initiative by Brent Henley.

I've known Brent for a while. His brilliant insights into organizational dynamics make him a valued consultant to companies, governments and groups around the world. In fact, he was recently invited to teach a workshop in Frankfurt, Germany to world leaders from Africa, South America, Europe and more. Why is Brent so successful? He understands relationships.

So it's no surprise that his new book is about relationships. For years Brent theorized that our current understanding of "networking" and "relationship selling" was fundamentally flawed. It was missing key components like solving problems, earning trust and the simple art of listening. He saw that most of the events (often called "networking events") geared toward business growth are centered around "taking" or "getting" what you can from others.

As with so many experts in history, Brent wasn't afraid to ask if things could be different. He theorized a way of doing business based on giving, not taking. Then he tested the theory (with the help of a trusting client) and the results were great. It turns out that we can build our own business by helping others build theirs. In fact, it's probably one of the most proven, long-term ways to succeed.

Brent took his test-case results and formalized them into a method anyone can use. He calls it a neXus, a small group where people meet and look for ways to help each other. I'm oversimplifying, as there are some rules and principles that truly make the groups work. But in its essence, The neXus Initiative shows us how to switch our business growth from taking to giving.

And that's where this entry really begins.

Haven't we had enough takers in our economy?

Haven't we seen what taking can do in recent years?

As we start the new year and look back on what for many was not a pleasant time, I can't imagine a better thing to do than commit to reaching goals in a new, better way. For me, that means building a neXus.

I have never recommended a single product in this blog, but this quick read is clearly worth the exception. It's relevant, as I often discuss how personal relationships will always be the most powerful form of communication. It's also exceptional, in that this idea of giving that seems so revolutionary is something we know and agree with in the very core of our being.

We've seen where the method of "taking" gets us. I invite you to take a look at what the future of business looks like by reading The neXus Initiative.