Business is all about having a relationship that is beneficial to the people involve. Building a stronger business relationship can give you a better connection with your customers, employees, and others. And most of all, these people will thank you for it.
Relationship is the most important aspect in business. When you conduct a business, the first thing that should come up in your mind is how to approach your client in a way that they don't see you as someone who aims at their wallet, but with the intention of mutual interest. The same goes with your employees, investors, vendors and the communities your business is living in.
By having a good relationship with these people, they will gladly open their doors to you and your company. Connect and communicate better with important people in your business life by following the list of several most used strategy in maintaining business relationship below.
Some people may see email as the tech of yesterday. But no matter how "old" email communication is if compare to the more modern social media and instant chat messaging, email is still by far, one of the best formal way of communicating, especially in business.
After you meet someone and exchange business cards, you can send an email to them a few days afterwards, reminding the person who you are and what you do, and telling them that you enjoyed meeting them, or perhaps expecting another meeting session. The sooner you contact them, the more they will likely to still remember you.
Sending emails to the people you just met professionally can help you toward your goals. You can never know who will be able to help or collaborate with in term of business, and by creating a relationship with others in a timely and professional manner, can give many benefit to you and your business.
Phone Call
Email can be the best way to reach others professionally during busy days, or for a simple task. When distance is a matter of concern that prevents two person from meeting, there is no better way to close the gap by calling them personally. Phone calls is always more personal and creates a connection between the two individuals that wouldn't exist from just reading words on a screen.
The personal connection that comes from this type of interaction creates positive feedback between you and the other person. Additionally, people are more likely to react positively and respond voice calls than they will for emails.
Since phone calls involve a minimal of two people engaging in a communication at a single time, etiquette applies. And because people may miss calls on busy days, it is best to return the call as soon as you can.
"Thank You" - "Congratulation" - "Condolences"
Thanking someone for their time, whether at an event, a lunch, or on a more personal basis; is always appropriate and warmly welcomed. When distance and time matters, you can thank others by sending email or text. You can also create a more personal influence by sending a handwritten note to them. It shows that you appreciate them, and in turn makes them want to work with you.
The same applies to the time when you need to congratulate others, or send your sympathy, and you can't be present to personally meet them.
Get-Togethers
Business and professionalism should not intrude your personal life, and vise versa. But business and professionalism aren't always about "occupation".
You can schedule informal get-togethers with your customers, employees, and vendors. These events can be as simple as an after-work meeting, or an event in an office with a relaxed environment, to company tours and hangouts.
The key to success is to make these get-togethers casual and low-pressure. Business and professionalism if seen from a work's perspective is tense. And having a get-togethers is all about building relationships by putting all your differences away.
Genuine Interactions
Relationship is to benefit both, being genuine without faking any engagements. It may take time and effort to put interest in others, yet alone expressing it genuinely. But by making an interested impression can create a thoughtful conversation with your customers, vendors, employees, and others.
Always stay focus during each interaction and keep any personal problems and judgement aside.