We’ve all heard the adage a thousand times over: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
It makes sense, then, to put special effort into our business relationships. Too often owners seek out new partnerships to the detriment of their current ones. It is important to remember that while expansion is a vital part of any business, you wouldn’t be where you are without those who took a chance and supported you along the way. Luckily, there are simple ways to keep your clients in the loop and show your appreciation.
Be Mindful
Acknowledging special occasions and achievements is an easy way to show that you care. A good business relationship should be very similar to your friendships, so do your best to remember things such as birthdays and celebrate the advancements of your clients’ careers. Corporate gifts are a great way to keep things professional while still showing your appreciation for your clients and their continued support. They will also provide a lasting reminder of both your friendship and partnership, which will foster future positivity and productivity.
Network
Get to know your partner’s partners, and introduce them to yours. The more connections a network has, the stronger it becomes. This benefits everyone by bringing businesses closer together and expanding client bases. You’d be surprised how much of your clientele comes from word of mouth, and who better to recommend a service than someone you already work with. Don’t be afraid to take on the role of business matchmaker if you feel that your connections could benefit from getting to know each other. They will remember your assistance in the future and return the favor.
Go Above and Beyond
If you always exceed the expectations of your clients and partners, they’ll never be disappointed. Very few things are guaranteed in business, but if you consistently provide the best service and value for money, you shouldn’t have an issue building strong relationships with your clients. Find simple ways to go above and beyond for those you interact with and your accounts will add up in no time. Remember, no one has ever been upset about receiving higher quality than they were expecting.
Have a Plan
While you want to nurture your business relationships on both professional and personal levels, it is essential to have clear goals outlined at the beginning of the partnership. Each party needs to fully understand their roles and responsibilities to ensure the best possible outcome for your dealings.
Communicate Openly
One of the most important things in any relationship is communication. While this tip blends in with the others, it is worthy of its own section as ensuring that your communication is open, honest and consistent should be your top priority. When possible, use simple language and keep written records of all business dealings to minimize the risk of miscommunication as much as possible.
The best way to maintain any relationship is to aim to give more than you take. When both parties have this mentality, it is easy to accomplish any task you set your collective energy towards. The world isn’t always idealistic, however, and it is important to remember your worth. These tips will not only help you build valuable relationships, but they will also help you identify those who aren’t worthy of your time. In a world where success attracts success, one good result can turn into something wonderful. So go out there, build great relationships and watch your empire expand.
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