Meet Jack.

Jack is a Gladiator.

Jack believes that business is a battlefield where only the most talented and cunning will survive. With him it's not personal; it's just business.

Although Jack doesn't know it, his next opponent is bigger and stronger than he is and he doesn't stand a chance. But eventually Jack will lick his wounds, pick up his sword, and get back to work in the business coliseum.

Sadly, Jack will spend his whole life repeating this painful pattern. Every day a new battle. He won't even consider the possibility that there might have been a better way.

The truth is, at any time Jack could've exchanged his sword for a key to his own City of Influence. Which, ironically, would've increase his business success exponentially.

You may not know it, but you are the mayor of your own city of influence. Every house, shop and high rise represent a different person inside your business network. When you turn from the life of a gladiator and focus on building the relationships inside your city of influence your professional landscape will transform.

But building the quantity and the quality of your relationships takes time and effort--so why do it? Because the bigger your population and the higher the level of trust with the residents inside your city of influence--the more opportunities will come your way. Most people go through life accepting opportunities as they come along without giving much thought of where they came from or who helped make them happen. Recognizing that your opportunities in business and in life come from the connections that you have with people will change the priority you place on building and sustaining relationships.

Mayors of Cities of Influence make the success of their residents the highest priority. Mayors know that when price and performance are equal, relationships trump. Mayors understand that more business gets done on the golf course or relaxing at poolside than will ever occur battling it out in board rooms or on the sales floor. Mayors have learned that when you serve an associate's, a client's, or even a competitor's specific needs, your relationships and influence grow.

Need help building your city? Corporate Alliance of San Diego is here to do just that! Contact gary@corporatealliance.net or visit us at www.knoweveryone.com