Five ridiculously easy relationship builders.
Building strong business relationships is crucial for success in any industry. Whether looking for referrals, advice, or simply trying to cultivate a positive work environment, developing meaningful connections with those around you is vital. This guide will explore five tips for building strong business relationships that will work just as well outside the business sphere. From showing genuine interest in others to socializing outside of work, these strategies will help you forge meaningful connections that will benefit you personally and professionally. Let's get started!
Treat them with respect
Treating others with respect is essential in any relationship, especially in a business context. It's important to remember that just because someone has yet to achieve the same level of success as you or doesn't make as much money doesn't mean they are any less of a person. In fact, treating everyone with respect can help you build a positive reputation and create a strong network of contacts. There are numerous examples of some of the most highly successful people (such as Oprah, Bill Gates, Indra Nooyi, Stephen Hawking, and Barack Obama) who made it a point to treat everyone in their organizations, including the janitors, very respectfully.
Be interested in them
Showing genuine interest in others is a great way to build rapport and trust. Ask them about their interests, experiences, and opinions if you want to get to know someone better. People are more likely to open up when they feel like they are being heard and understood. Additionally, active listening and engaging in the conversation can help build a deeper connection. But also, be careful here. Often we slip into listening so we can speak. So do not do this. Listen to hear the other's story. There might be something to that adage, "you have one mouth and two ears," so use them accordingly.
Be friendly
Being friendly and approachable can help you build positive relationships with colleagues and potential clients. Smiling, being polite, and showing an interest in others can help create a welcoming environment. Even if you're having a bad day, try to stay positive and keep a smile on your face. People are more likely to remember someone and do business with someone who is generally upbeat and positive. And pro-tip here, smiling when you recognize the person is even better than always smiling. Think of a past situation in your life when someone recognized you and smiled. It's much more meaningful.
Ask them to help you with something
People enjoy helping others, and asking for advice or input can be an excellent way to build a relationship. After all, who doesn't like giving advice? Whether it's asking for their opinion on a project or seeking guidance on a problem you're facing, showing that you value their expertise and ideas can help create a stronger connection. Additionally, offering to help others in return can further solidify the relationship.
Socialize outside of work
Taking a relationship outside the workplace can be a great way to build a deeper connection. Whether attending a social event or simply grabbing a drink after work, spending time together outside of work can help you get to know each other on a more personal level. Additionally, attending industry events and seminars together can help you both learn and grow, strengthening the relationship even further.
One modern example of how this could help is in congress. Fifty years ago, republican and democratic senators would make speeches vehemently denouncing the other's ideas. But afterward, invite each other and their wives to dinner. They were friendly, had conversations, socialized, and made deals. They got stuff done. This level of civility does not happen today, and we know how recently congress has been ineffective. In the past, they could disagree on policy, but by knowing the other as a human, they could negotiate better and get more done.
In conclusion, building strong business relationships is essential to success in any industry. Treating others with respect, showing interest in their lives, being friendly and approachable, asking for their help, and socializing outside work are all excellent ways to create a strong network of contacts and build lasting relationships. By following these tips, you can develop a reputation as a trustworthy and reliable professional and make a network of contacts that will help you achieve your goals.