Too many people's approach to relationship building is as generic as a one-size-fits-all suit. In this episode, Mike O'Neill and his guest Thomas Gilman make the case for a more thoughtful, well-tailored method. This episode of "Get Unstuck & On Target" stitches together the threads of deep experience, personal connection, and the art of truly listening to weave a tapestry of growth strategies that are anything but off-the-rack.

Host Mike O'Neill, Executive Coach and founder of Bench Builders sits down with Thomas Gilman, the founder of Driving Business Growth. With a rich tapestry of over 40 years in operations, project engineering, and strategic planning, Thomas brings a wealth of knowledge that transcends the typical business dialogue. Together, they unravel the Platinum Rule, a nuanced take on the age-old Golden Rule, and its transformative power in business relationships.

Thomas shares his journey from the corporate world to the entrepreneurial landscape, revealing how listening—truly listening—to the unique needs of businesses has been the cornerstone of his success. He emphasizes the importance of understanding clients' needs, sometimes even before they do, and how this approach fosters long-lasting, trust-based relationships.

Mike contributes his own insights on leadership and the delicate dance of coaching executives, highlighting the profound moments of change that occur in the pauses of conversation. This episode is a masterclass in the subtle art of influence and the power of exceeding expectations.

Three things to take note of in this episode:

• The Platinum Rule Over the Golden Rule: Discover Thomas Gilman's unique take on the Platinum Rule and how it can transform business relationships by focusing on treating others the way they want to be treated, rather than the traditional Golden Rule approach.
• The Art of Listening for Business Growth: Learn from Thomas Gilman's extensive experience on the importance of truly listening to clients' needs and how this approach has been the cornerstone of his success in helping businesses grow. This segment emphasizes the value of understanding and addressing the unique challenges of each business.
• Building Long-Lasting Business Relationships: Gain insights into the strategies for developing deeper, trust-based relationships with clients. Thomas and Mike discuss the significance of exceeding expectations and how going beyond transactional interactions can lead to more meaningful and lasting connections in the business world.

Listeners will leave with a renewed perspective on how to approach business growth, armed with the understanding that the most impactful connections are those that are meticulously crafted with the individual in mind.