Relationships make the world go round. In many aspects of life, relationships are a big key to growth and success. This principle holds very true when it comes to business. You have to create and cultivate great business relationships if you want to experience constant progress with your business. Connecting with the right people can generate opportunities and growth you could not have accomplished on your own. Great business relationships are a must, but you have to embrace these keys if you’re ready to take that next step.
“There is power in unity, there is power in numbers” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.
1. You’re not proactive.
You can’t sit back and expect great business relationships to just fall in your lap. Just like with dating, if you want more opportunities then you have to put yourself out there. Go to networking events, or any social gatherings that have a lot of professionals in the audience. This is where you can make things happen.
Tip: Bring business cards, but don’t be afraid to initiate conversations with people. You never know who you may run into, and the doors that will open from making that connection. You can also reach out to people online by email or social media platform. Depending on how popular they are, you may feel intimidated, and start to think trying to reach out to them is pointless. Well a closed mouth doesn’t get fed. You may be surprised that at times you will get a response and a chance to cultivate a relationship with this person. To increase your chances of making progress with them, be sure to take heed of the next point on this list.
2. You neglect to give.
One of the biggest mistakes that you can make in trying to build great business relationships is neglecting to give, and only focusing on taking. Imagine you are very successful (this may be your current reality). You have spent a lot of time, energy, and money building up your business. You feel good about your accomplishments, and with that you have a lot of people who recognize the success you have achieved. With recognition comes many requests. People now are coming to you for help and guidance so that they can improve their business. You don’t mind helping people, but with everyone mainly interested in taking, and not giving, you get worn down and start to close that door.
Tip: You have to go into each opportunity with the mindset of how you can also help that person you want to connect with. They may be more accomplished, and you may not see at first what you could possibly give them, but you have a gift that you can provide if you tap into it (until you find it, you can always create one). When you bring something valuable to the table, you will be given a seat to eat and enjoy the meal.
3. You’re not reliable.
Being that person who people can’t count on will cause you to lose a lot of connections. If you want to stay in good standing with the person you are trying to create a great business relationship with, then you have to be reliable. If you say you’re going to do something, then do it. If you can’t make it happen, then at least be honest about what’s going on.
Tip: If someone starts to view you as a big talker with no action, then they won’t be interested in continuing to do business with you. So be true to your word, and let your actions speak the loudest.
4. You’re not consistent.
Nobody wants to deal with someone who is good sometimes, and then bad too many other times. It creates instability, and a lack of trust. A person never knows which you they will get, and soon they will opt to find someone else that is more consistent.
Tip: Know your strengths and limitations. Don’t try to be more than what you are..and by doing so can lead to the inconsistent behavior. Just be honest, and be the best you that you can be.
You can only do so much on your own. Working together, sharing information, and assisting in creating success for others can be extremely beneficial for you. What you put out, is what you will get in return. So take a more positive approach, and focus on creating great business relationships in your life. The more great relationships you can create, the more great things you can accomplish.
BMWK, Have any of these techniques ever worked for you?