How to Build Relationships

When people hear the word "relationships" they are quick to think of "dating."  In business, however, "relationship" refers to the conditions that exist between you and your clients.  Part of networking is building successful relationships that you can utilize to find and court new clients.

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So how do build a successful business relationship? 

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The first step to building a successful business relationship is to keep in touch with your clients and business contacts—even when you aren't in need of their services.  Business relationships can be tricky, but most people are more likely to use your company if they feel like they have a positive relationship with you, and that you think about them, even when you don't need their help. 

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In non-business terms:  Would you think favorably on somebody who only called you when they wanted you to fix something in their home?  Would you keep helping them?

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Another way to build successful business relationships is to make as many contacts as possible.  Nobody wants to be thought of as a crutch and if you have positive relationships with many clients and contacts, those clients and contacts are more likely to be flattered when you call upon them—after all, you could have called any number of people, but you chose them! 

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It might sound too simple to really work, but the truth is this: the more positive business relationships you have, the more your business will flourish!

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Date: 09/03/2008
Category: BUSINESS EDITORIAL