BBB top tips for building stronger business relationships
Great networks and connections are two of the most integral components of business growth. Building and maintaining strong relationships is a cornerstone to success.
Businesses of all sizes forge relationships with customers, vendors, investors, employees and partners. The trick is to build something that lasts by not only creating and strengthening relationships but also honoring your commitment to others in everything you do.
Reflecting on what you can bring to the table in a relationship to help is essential to creating deep connections - like the BBB seal, coming from a place of giving sets the foundation and builds trust.
Remember your skill sets, resources and insights are valuable. When you're willing to offer those, you create a sense of inclusion and an opening for others to bring value to you. An excellent quote from the Harvard Business Review: "When your networking is driven by shared interests it will feel more authentic."
Another exercise is to do a mental check of the following: Who do you know? Take stock of your current contacts. Are they providing value to your business, helping you achieve your goals, and are you helping them?
Outlining these expectations might inspire you to reach out to a colleague, especially if it's been a while since you last met. A simple conversation over a cup of coffee could illuminate how you'd like the relationship to thrive.
Start keeping a list of people you'd like to connect with. Outline what you know about them and what value you hope to gain. Think first about what you bring to the table: focusing on how your business provides value to them creates a conversation that sets the stage for a richer overall experience.
Consider your contacts a part of your team. This builds trust and promotes better communication for the relationship to flourish.
Social media is key to networking in business. Every social media channel has its benefits, but LinkedIn was built for networking. Always remember to include a personal note when asking people to connect.
To maintain existing relationships, don't forget to tag your contacts on social media. Commit to tagging each other in your social posts when working on a campaign with another partner.
Connecting people is essential. Have a matchmaker mentality. Sure, you're looking at what's good for you and those with whom you're building relationships, but the big payoff in connecting others is that you will be recognized as someone who's in it for the greater good.
Other ways to connect and grow your network include joining community and business organizations and looking for opportunities to get involved.
Also, consider attending related conferences, business gatherings, or even cross-promoting or hosting an event with another business to ignite some new relationships.
After events, stay organized and keep up the correspondence. Go the extra mile for your top connections. Send congratulatory messages when accomplishments are made. Please make a point to send them personalized notes.
Stay committed to that "how can I bring value to the relationship" mentality in all your correspondence.
For those in your general audience: Do you have a newsletter? You might even consider two newsletters: one for customer relationships, and one for building industry relationships.
The most important thing: keep at it. You can't do great things alone. For small business owners, this is especially true. After all, if you don't have customers and partners, you don't have a business.
• Steve J. Bernas is President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau. He can be reached at sbernas@chicago.bbb.org