4 Time-Tested Ways To Build Strong Business Relationships

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Strong business relationships play a critical role in the long-term success of a small business. They’re important because a genuine relationship can lead to lasting friendships and more importantly, business opportunities. Nowadays it’s easy to assume you have strong relationships behind the mirage of Facebook or LinkedIn, but simply updating your profile or sharing someone else’s posts pales in comparison to face-to-face connections. Try these tried and true methods to help you build and maintain strong business relationships:

Treat it like a “real” relationship

By real I mean as if you were dating a loved one. I mean it. Become a good listener and have a genuine interest in their lives. It doesn’t mean you have to get overly personal, but asking someone how their vacation, weekend, or sporting event goes a lot further than diving straight into business talk. Remember, if you’ve made it far enough to close this person with a sale, chances are they probably like you and not just your product or service. Foster this and they will benefit you by way of referrals and continued business.

Check in over the phone

This trick I learned from my father, a successful small business owner in his own right. Until recently, I never understood why he was always on the phone. He has customers, partners and persons of interest all over, and calls them from time to time for no particular reason. And he gets check-in calls all the same. It shows again your genuine interest in the person, but also keeps you top of mind for business inquiries.

Meet in person

Sometimes an email, Facebook message or even a phone call simply isn’t enough because they merely address the purpose of the conversation and end there. For example, if you’re providing a client with an update, an email would easily suffice. Offer to meet with them instead and it becomes more personal. Whether it’s over coffee or a sandwich, you open up the opportunity to get genuine input, read their body language and find common interests. None of this can happen over an email.

Golf

The real tried-and-true mix of business and pleasure. Golfing is still one of the best ways to start and/or foster business relationships. Coined “The six-hour sales call,” golf gives you the chance to truly get to know someone and cater to their personality. To make the most out of golf for business, there are some unspoken rules. Don’t discuss business before the 5th hole or after the 15th.

If you’ve thought about hitting the links but are unsure where to start, our Entrepreneur’s club’s very own Golf Concierge can help – with exclusive rates to some of the best golf courses in Quebec and Ontario.

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