Our conversation then moved to “whom can you trust?”

Two heads are always better than one. Many businesses (large and small) use this principle to their advantage to add to the intellectual wealth of their companies. In exchange, you can benefit from guidance, expertise, experience, and network connections of carefully selected advisors.

With the seemingly pervasive attitude of fear, how can business owners protect themselves in areas where they might not have enough experience (e.g. financial planning, accounting and the law)? How can you feel more comfortable trusting those professional specialists?

For starters, we came up with a list of “top five” questions to ask those who will eventually become an integral part of your trusted advisory team.

When choosing a Financial Planner don’t forget to ask:

1. What does the term “financial planner” mean to you? What will you be doing for me? Will you manage and/or invest my money, write a plan, set goals and sell insurance? Or some combination of the above?

2. What is the percentage breakdown of your own income? How much comes from money management fees, plan creation fees and selling insurance?

3. How can you help me create a lifestyle for myself and my future? How can you help me take the money I accumulate from my business and turn it into an income I can live on?

4. How will you help me protect what we put together? What will you and I do to protect against the effects of inflation, market downturns, disability, prolonged illnesses and more dependents (e.g. caring for my parents or siblings)?

5. Tell me a story: How were you able to help someone in a similar circumstance to mine?

When choosing an Accountant don’t forget to ask:

1. How will you act as my financial advisor? Will you simply file my business taxes or is there more you will do?

2. How can you help my company meet its financial and tax goals?

3. Can you help me determine the profitability and feasibility of major financial decisions, such as buying business equipment, a merger/acquisition or expansion?

4. What is your background and experience with companies in my industry; with my revenue levels and the unique issues my company is facing?

5. Do you have a certified professional accountant (CPA) designation, and will that be important for the kind of work I will need done?

Your companies would look great together.

You both have the same vision, you’re both good on paper — product offerings are complimentary and you really seem to get each other.

However, can you see the potential?

Many businesses seemingly overlook the importance and significance of going on business dates — courting other companies who represent a strong strategic fit operationally and for their customer base. Dating in business is purposeful and if done correctly, it can land you a successful strategic partnership that is built to last.

When you’re introduced to a potential business partner, there are specific things you can — and should do — to spark their attention and keep it.

Here are six tips to turn great expectations into a successful business partnership.

1. Make the call.

Once you’re introduced by another peer, or company to a potential strategic partner — take the lead. If you truly understood the potential value (i.e. branding, marketing, monetary, operations, etc.) of capitalizing on each others strengths you wouldn’t hesitate to pick up the phone.

Remember, if you aren’t making that call — another company definitely will.

2. Be clear about who you are and your intentions.

Once you connect with a potential business partner, be clear about what your company does and how you can benefit the other party — and what you expect in return. If you fail to set expectations upfront it can easily be construed that you don’t respect the other party’s intelligence and time. Deception about these two areas can dilute your credibility and market value.

Let’s be honest — successful companies will not spend an ounce of investment in unproductive areas or partnerships.

3. Don’t play business games.

Once you’ve opened conversations, be transparent at each step. In other words, don’t play business games.

Leave the coy, aloofness at the door. Charm, charisma and talent without skill may have helped you float by in some instances, but it can quickly catch up with you. For instance, if your business proposal indicates that you possess specific core competencies — ensure you can deliver.

Time is money, therefore, when you involve a third-party in your initiatives make sure you don’t waste either. It’s rare that two companies join forces without a specific goal, but “If you must play, decide upon three things at the start: the rules of the game, the stakes, and the quitting time (Chinese Proverb).”

I don’t care what your goals, industry or interests are, there’s no getting around it.

Personal relationships run the world. But why is it that some people seem to build instant rapport with most anyone they come across, while others are left with a network of one?

Over the past few years, I’ve conducted a study of exactly what sets these people apart. Turns out, the results are more simple, and more powerful, than you’d think. And they led me to interactions and connections with world-class CEOs, best-selling authors, professional athletes and other seemingly untouchable folks, including Tony Robbins and Warren Buffett.

Regardless of status or fame, people are people.

And the seven pillars of making a connection with another person are always the same — whether applied to your next-door neighbor, one of the world’s biggest celebrities or even the cute girl sitting at the bar:

1. Be genuine.

The only connections that work will be the ones that you truly care about; the world will see through anything short of that. If you don’t have a genuine interest in the person with whom you’re trying to connect, then stop trying.

2. Provide help.

Even the most powerful people in the world have something they’d like help with. Too many people never reach out to those above them due to the fear that they wouldn’t be able to offer anything in return.

But you have more to offer than you realize. If you own a blog, write a post about them. Share their project with your social network or develop a video interview, and give them a platform to spread their message. Put some thought into who you could connect with to benefit their goals. If it turns out that you can’t be helpful, the gesture alone will stand out.