Synergy...is it a load of BS?

I met with Colin McCarthy, J.D., of Robinson & Wood this morning over coffee. Check out his recent blog post here: "Injured Burglar, Seeking Lawyer...". I recently applied for membership to a networking group that Colin belongs to and wanted to get some feedback from him on the group.


Anytime you are going to join a networking group, I highly suggest you sit down and do a few "get to know you" sessions with a few people that belong to it. Not only does it give you some insider information on the group, how everything works and what the pros/cons are, it also allows you to see first hand if you have that dreaded word: Synergy.

I recall during my college days communication and business majors throwing around that word. It made them sound smart...distinguished almost. And when any professor asked "What IS synergy?", students were quick to respond with "You know, it's like chemistry. Whether we get along or not." Students gave themselves a pat on the back for answering the question correctly and moved on to doodling on their notepads.

Obviously, as we grow older and a little wiser, we begin to realize what role synergy plays within our book of business or company in general. Ask yourself these questions:

Do I work with someone I don't like personally but respect professionally?

Am I more inclined to keep my business with my broker if I don't like them?

Have I lost a substantial amount of business due to lack of synergy within my network?

Maybe synergy isn't a load of BS. It may be intangible...but not BS. I've seen deals gone sour and business lost....and no one even insulted each other. It was a simple matter of "I'm not really a fan of you."

Hopefully most of my clients find the best of both worlds with me - at least that is what I strive for. They respect me as a person and as an expert within my industry.

Tid-bit about me: I have a tremendous love and knowledge of ice cream and will occasionally give myself a "self high-five" when no one else is around (clapping my hands above my head). Discuss amongst yourselves.