The market we play in is volatile, risky, mysterious and a long-game commitment. How can you earn trust if you’ve never truly invested in it and built it up?
The York IE investments team spent last week in Naples, Florida hosting our annual investment partner golf outing. It was an amazing and productive event on many levels, and there were many lively conversations that’ll continue to shape our business and the opportunity ahead.
While I was there, we got to talking a lot about relationships — genuine relationships — and why it’s so critical to dedicate time to the human touch. The importance of face-to-face interactions can’t be overstated, especially in the areas of startups and investing.
We live in such an overly digital age. The comfort in communication via technology has diminished true human engagement. In my view, like with all things, it’s a balancing act. We’ve grown too accustomed to transacting business behind screens and keyboards. From my old-school point of view, that shouldn’t take the place of getting together, shaking hands, breaking bread, having a drink (or several), staring eye to eye and aligning for the future. We must do both.
The best deals I’ve ever done and the best long-term partnerships and customers I’ve ever had all centered around deep, real relationships. It doesn’t mean that you can’t get the job done over the internet, but it does mean you won’t do it in a way that cements and sustains your business and your career, bringing both to new heights.
Hang out with each other. People buy from people they like, and they continue to work with companies they enjoy working with. It’s pretty simple.
Our number-one core value at York IE, written on our conference room wall, is “rising tides raise all ships.” And the ultimate manifestation of that comes in the form of locking arms and going for it. To me, this is all only possible if you’re committed to cultivating and nurturing strong bonds.
Let us know if you’re connected to any high-net-worth folks or family offices. We have a unique model to chat about. We’re ready to get together!
