Relationship Building in Business

Relationship Building

The Power of Simplicity and Business Relationship Building

Small business is made and broken by the people who support the business and the relationships forged by the owners.  As you read my blog, you will see that I love to simplify things and make them easy.  I'm a big believer in the power of simplicity and nothing about the success or failure of your business is more simple then how important relationship building is to your small business.  If your goal is to have a successful business, then the pursuit of strong relationships for your business is not only important but is also going to require a real effort from you to maintain them.

Networking

Being effective at networking is crucial to your small business and is key to building strong relationships.  There is number of possible ways to get plugged in to the networking scene here in the low country including: The Chamber of Commerce, rotary club and local networking leads groups.  These local events are a great way to meet new business contacts and provide you with plenty of opportunity to work on building some strong business relationships for your small business.  You don't always have to be the life of the party to make some great contacts at these events.  As long as you are willing to put yourself out there and keep your focus on other people, engaging with people at these events couldn't be easier.  It is also very important to be yourself, no one likes to talk to fake people.  Business people value authenticity, and being yourself will attract the kind of people you want to be networking with.

Building Trust

If you have been reading my blog, then you already know how important I think building trust is in business.  One of the best ways to build that trust bridge is to never take advantage of people.  Often times in business we have the opportunity to take advantage of people, focus instead on doing the right thing.  Keeping my integrity is a core value for my business and something I never compromise.  Also, get out of the trap of 'what is in it for me mode' we all can fall into and steer your ship instead toward becoming genuinely interested in others.

Keeping Up

If you don't make a real effort to keep up with people then you will see your contacts fall away.  By not spending time maintaining your business relationship, when it comes time for you to reach out to them--they might not be there.  Find some way to check in with them regularly.  Whether by shooting them a quick e-mail or calling them on the phone, it is very important to stay in touch.  A good way to keep on top of this is to schedule a follow up on your calendar or use some kind of task management tool to remind yourself.

Quality vs. Quantity

One of my best business contacts told me a great piece of advice on networking and meeting new people.  'If you get just one or two good contacts at an event, then you were successful'.  Pretty simple advice, so you know I like it!  I would really try and take it to heart and call yourself successful if you have one good contact from events.  You never know who is going to be a good fit for your small business so go out there and meet as many people as you can to help strengthen your business and build better business relationships.