Business success is about who you know and, more importantly, who knows YOU!
Planning, strategy, marketing, visibility, and innovation are the unnoticed engines that drive success; it’s relationships that make the real difference.
Why Business Relationships Matter
What was the last big opportunity that you experienced in your business? Was it an outreach that led to a business partnership? Was it a referral? A past client calling to ask to do business with you again? Or did a random connection introduce you to a fantastic opportunity? For most business owners, the most significant successes result from business relationships – not random chance.
Strong relationships open doors to:
- Referrals and WOM (Word of Mouth) marketing.
- Trust and credibility in you and your business.
- A supportive network.
- Collaboration and affiliations
- Opportunities for expanded business.
When you focus on building meaningful relationships, you aren’t just growing your contact list – you are creating an ecosystem of support and connections.
Key Ingredients for Strong Business Connection
🗝️Authenticity. You know the mantra: “People do business with people they know, like, and trust.” Show a real and genuine interest in others.
🗝️Consistency. A one-time conversation at a networking event isn’t enough to build a relationship. The best business connections are a result of follow-up and staying in touch.
🗝️Reciprocity. Share helpful resources, make introductions, support the work of others, and be generous in the giving. Asking before giving is a sure way to stop connections from happening!
🗝️Active Listening. Listen more than you talk. Learn to ask thoughtful questions ❓ and show that you value what others have to say.
🗝️Intentional Connections. Strong networks are built on connections with people who align with your values, complement your skills, and serve with ❤️.
A business card doesn’t equal a relationship! It takes intention and attention to convert contacts into connections.
- Follow up. Make it your practice to send a message mentioning something about your conversation.
- Stay in Touch. Be aware of the ways that you can engage. Whether it’s on social media or an invitation to meet for coffee ☕ or event, you need to take ownership to deepen your connections.
- BE a Connector. Look for opportunities to make introductions. When you bring value to your business relationships, your connections will reciprocate.
Reach out to someone in your network and ask if you can support them, celebrate a win with them, or simply reconnect. The ripple effects of this action can be transformative.
If you’re up to the task, here’s my challenge to you: Build ONE Stronger Connection this week!
If you’re eager for MORE ways to create connections and attract clients..
Consider joining my Facebook group, Networking Ninjas, where we take networking seriously!