The Art of Building Business Relationships

It looks as if we've embarked upon an age of increasing depersonalization. In a rush to succeed in this spirited marketplace, it appears that consumers, vendors, employees, business colleagues, etc. have been reduced to mere account numbers, projects to be completed, and/or email addresses. Yet, no matter how advanced the technology, success in business is still dependent upon three key factors:

• Network – who you know and who knows you
• Reputation – what others know and think about you
• Relationships – how well others know you

The most important of these are relationships. Building relationships is a common-sense business-building strategy that easily gets lost in the quest for victory. Yet, it is the depth of the connections between you, as the business owner, and those you encounter, that dictate your reputation, as well as, the extent of your network.

What does it take to build long-term successful relationships that ultimately contribute to your life? Begin by defining the kind of business relationships you want to develop. Next, allow for some thoughtful planning and ample time.

Here are a few straightforward approaches to deepening your business associations:

• Connect with key relationships on a quarterly basis. What kind of interaction would enhance the bond between you and those with whom you conduct business?
• Continually add value to each relationship. What is joyful for you to give that meets the needs of the other person?
• Learn to contribute to others rather than seduce or hook them. What is your intention with your interactions?
• Make relationships more important than results. What change(s) do you need to make in order to put people first?
• Leverage your schedule to allow adequate space and sufficient time to expand relationships. What activities can be eliminated that do not contribute to business growth?
• Send thank you notes, birthday cards, and letters of congratulations. What other ways can you express your appreciation for another?
• Be present when speaking with others whether it's by phone, email, or in-person. What needs to happen in order for you to be "in the moment"?
• Correct miscommunications immediately. With whom do you need to communicate?
• Relate to others as you would like others to relate to you. What is most valuable in how others relate with you?
• Invest in your personal development to increase your personal capacity to relate. What resources will contribute to your growth?

Building business relationships furthers business, promotes referrals, facilitates mergers, expands your network, and builds your reputation. Your connectivity influences your productivity. People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.

©2000-2008 Jackie Nagel, Inc. Used by Synnovatia™ with permission. All rights reserved.