Strengthening Relationships

 

HOW ARE YOU BUILDING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS?

Communication is always an important key to successful relationships. How often are you communicating to ensure it is often enough and not too often?  Many forms of communication you can use such as e-mail, phone calls or virtual meetings as we look forward to the best way in person.

Understanding each relationship and treating everyone as individuals instead of grouping them helps balance the right amount of communication.  All of us have a threshold of how often we want to be contacted and when you understand this you will see positive results.

THOSE LITTLE THINGS

What about those little things?  If a relationship is challenged, it is usually due to one of those little things.  On one hand, these little things do not seem to matter. On the other hand, they make all the difference!

What little things do you do to maintain the relationship to set you apart from the rest?

We take pride in dropping off products to our clients while maintaining social distance. Most of the time it leads to a good discussion and an opportunity. This little thing strengthens and provides value to the relationship.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

What do you know about the other person, such as their favourite sports team, hobbies, interests?  What do you have in common?   Make a personal connection that is real and genuine.

When following up, ask about their non-business involvement.   If their favourite team won a game recently, know about it and mention it or ask about the recent milestone they posted on social media.  Wish them a happy birthday or happy anniversary and better yet, mail them a card or send an e-card.

CONSISTENT AND PROACTIVE

Make your communications consistent and proactive. The conversation is about building the relationship first and adding the business dialogue afterwards resulting in a well-rounded relationship.  Sell after the relationship is built.

This is where the rule of the three keys to success falls in follow-up, follow-up and follow-up.  As a leader, I cannot stress this enough:  be consistent and proactive in all your relationships.  By following this rule, watch your relationships grow stronger   When someone reaches out for an update, you have not followed this rule effectively.  Listen to what they are asking and adjust your communication to reach their goal of being kept updated.

OVERCOME CHALLENGES

When there are challenges, it is very rewarding for one party to contact the other and share their concern. Working together on a challenge is the ultimate sign of a successful relationship. You do not have to agree, however, you both have to accept each other’s facts and move forward together.

Saying thank you and showing your appreciation is another way to strengthen relationships.  Bring your core values to all relationships by being honest and having integrity.

How are you strengthening your relationships?

(Originally published on 01.26.22)