Relationships are one of the six core influencers to develop in your life. I’ve noticed lately when someone invites me to an evening event, class or networking that falls on Thursday, that their reaction to my answers is interesting. See, Thursday night in my life is DATE NIGHT. Date night is a critical and pivotal part of building my influential self.  You may recall that one of the six core areas to build your Influential Voice is relationships.

We didn’t always do date night for our relationship. We’ve been together, and through a ton over the years.  Our choice to start date night (we go out for dinner, drinks and take dance lessons) was about creating a more powerful, stronger, sexier, more loving relationship.  Our choice was because “for granted” started to happen. Our choice was because we had created the VISION of what it looked like, now it was time to truly make it happen.

• Don’t you want that?
• Don’t you know your business thrives when you have that in your life?
• Do you understand that you become Influential when you choose relationship?

So back to my original point: the reaction to my response. My response is simply: “Thank you, but that is date night, I am unable to.” (Ah, there are boundaries yet again…did you read that post?) See, my commitment to relationship matters. The reaction often feels like one of “That’s all? Really?” Like it’s somehow a lame one. An excuse, A cop out. (Except for others that also focus on it, they GET IT. They are actually a minority though.)

Oh but I hear you! “ANNNNNNNN!! I have to GROW my business! I have to get out there right? So my relationship may not get the attention it needs while I am growing my brand. RIGHT?”

Yes. And no. Getting out there EVERYWHERE, with no clear goal? No alignment to who you are and what matters most? A waste of time. And when your relationships suffer, you energetically change at those events.

Don’t be offended by the fact that relationship is one of the six core infleuncers I choose to work on. Be happy for me. Honored maybe even a little that you know someone who does. And then decide how you will focus on yours.

Ann M. Evanston is a “Chief Breakthrough Officer” teaching other Business Warriors how to slow down, and find the most unique part of their business that makes them stand out among the crowd. She has been named one of the top marketing consultants by About.com, is a guest blogger for Showcasing Women and takes pride in moving you from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM. BOOM!”