The simple act of forming relationships in business is extremely important, but most of us take this skill for granted. We only really understand the relevance of these relationships once they have ended, and this can sometimes be to our detriment.
Building a powerful relationship in business isn’t easy, but it can have some huge advantages for the future. Whether you are seeking to improve this level of relationship with your staff, your investors or your customers; this article will take a look at a few ways that you can ensure that you build business relationships that last.
Communication
The strongest part of any relationship is communication. Good communication allows you to relay information clearly, making sure that everyone is on the same page. However, you can take this communication level further with regular updates.
At the end of the day, there is no such thing as too much communication. You should always be looking to keep everyone in the loop at all times. Tell your staff about upcoming deadlines. Inform your investors of any delays. Most importantly, keep your customers updated on any changes to your service.
Unexpected information can cause confusion. As a business leader, you want to avoid this type of confusion at all costs. What’s more, you will want to be careful of how you communicate.
Be Honest
Unfortunately, some things in life are going to knock your plans off course. You can try to weather the storm on your own; however, you will often find that more than one brain is more helpful than one.
Always be honest in your communication, even if it is bad news. The more people you keep clued in, the more likely it is that you will find a solution to your problems. On the flip side, don’t be afraid to share when things are going well. There is nothing better than receiving a healthy dose of good news, and sharing this type of information can instill confidence in you as a person, so try to make sure that you are always being honest.
What’s more, experienced investors are able to tell when something is off. These individuals were able to become successful because of their good judge of character. If they suspect that you aren’t being forthright, they may decide to rescind their investment. This sentiment also extends to our next point.
Have Respect
The way you present yourself will have a massive effect on how you are received. As an entrepreneur, the success of your company will often fall squarely on your shoulders.
You will often find that you believe that your response to a situation is the right course of action, despite the advice of those around you. The key to a good relationship is knowing how best to resolve these types of scenarios. You need to ensure that the person giving you the advice knows that you have taken their thoughts on board. Being dismissive can cause a rift and make it less likely that your staff or shareholders will attempt to help you in the future. Always try to respond to those around you in a respectful way and this respect will be reciprocated.
Request Feedback
The only way that you are going to improve in the world of business is by learning from your mistakes. Unfortunately, you may not always be aware of these errors. Make sure that you build up a persona that is open to criticism, and you may find that this criticism is the push you need to make a successful change.
Also, you customers will have some important knowledge about how your product is received. Try to listen to their concerns to find out how you can improve. Social media has given us all the ability to engage and communicate in new ways. By requesting feedback on these platforms, you can ensure that your customer base feels needed and improve your business at the same time.
Get Personal
Powerful communication isn’t always tied to your receptiveness. Sometimes, just being there is enough. This approach is mostly effective for your personal relationships, but it can be just as important in the world of business.
Think about it. An employee that works for you is far more likely to feel appreciated if you ask for their assistance in person, rather than sending out a faceless email. This personal touch can build a trusting relationship between you and your staff, making it far more likely that they will actually want to help you achieve success.
Furthermore, personal contact is less likely to be misinterpreted than other methods. You will find all sorts of examples of miscommunication through text and email online. The personal touch is always the best way to relay your wishes without confusion.
Choose The Right Method
In the same way that personal contact can improve your communication skills, so too can the right equipment.
The internet is a fickle thing. Sure, it has given us the ability to talk to one another across large distances, but it can also be highly unpredictable. Servers can drop at any time, and this blackout can prevent important information getting to its intended target.
That is why it is always necessary to have a backup plan ready. You can’t always afford to have someone miss a message, which means digital communication isn’t always the best approach. Sometimes you can’t fault the old tech, so make sure that you always have a phone on you. What’s more, you can find SIM-only deals registered to the SIM instead of the phone if there is an emergency. It isn’t hard to get involved in a plan such as this, especially when companies like Lebara offer SIM only deals at a reasonable rate. You can’t plan for every eventuality, so always prepare yourself for the worst to ensure that your communication can always be received.
Summary
You may not have realized that so many factors can affect your business relationships. Common sense is always a good start, but also take our advice into account next time you feel that your message isn’t getting across.
This is a collaborative post authored by Lucy Hudson, Founder of lucylovestheworld.com