4 Steps To Building Great Business Relationships
“It’s not who you know, it’s what you know.”
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As much as I hate to start an article off with a cliché, many clichés became famous because they’re true – and that is certainly the case when it comes to this clever one-liner about connections and relationships.
While we’re on what bugs me, the other thing that frustrates me is the word ‘relationship’ and how it’s thrown around at nauseam in the business world.
In order for a connection to truly be of value, however, it’s important to work hard in order to develop that acquaintance into a real relationship. This is easier said than done: business-based relationships can be tricky to navigate, even for people who are otherwise very socially fluent in their personal lives.
Not to fear: I’ve compiled a simple four-step program that you can follow in order to create, build, and maintain better business relationships.
Give and Receive References.
New connections are almost always made through old connections. Always be on the lookout for references and introductions–and be sure to hold up your end of the deal by making references and introductions as well.
Be a problem finder.
A lot of influence tends to be put on solving problems, but, as any doctor, programmer, psychiatrist, or coach will tell you, finding problems is oftentimes the greater challenge. If you can help people in your life identify problems, they will be far more likely to choose you as the person who can help solve them.
Ask not what your contacts can do for you…
But what you can do for your contacts. This is what separates real relationships from that sleazy “I’ll-get-to-know-you-just-well-enough-to-sell-you-stuff” attitude.
Practice active maintenance.
You may have seen this in a dating article somewhere, but it holds true in business as well: relationships require work. Make an effort to reach out to a diverse array of contacts on a regular basis and good things will come your way–I guarantee it.
Some food for thought as we conclude: ideas themselves are the currency of business relationships.
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