A successful business is built on the basis of relationships with business. Each connection can open numerous possibilities in terms of new opportunities, knowledge sharing and collaboration. Establishing strong business relationships are therefore crucial for any business who would like to be a respected and trusted partner in the market. It isn’t easy to navigate the many different stakeholders a company could need to consider. Fortunately, understanding the basic principles of business relationship-building can help simplify the process.
The most effective way to build trust and develop productive connections is to offer something worth it. If that’s through the publication of helpful thoughts-provoking content, speedily and thoroughly answering questions from stakeholders, or simply contacting your contacts via social media, making sure that you offer your partners additional resources, insights and support can be extremely helpful in establishing connections and strengthening relationships.
In addition, it’s important to be a trustworthy and respectful speaker, even when discussing difficulties or obstacles. Communicating clearly, using concise communication and using jargon to avoid confusion and always responding quickly to phone calls, emails or messages demonstrates an exemplary level of professionalism that can help strengthen relationships.
Remember that solid business relationships take time to build, just as personal relationships do. Be patient, genuine and be sure to prioritise giving over receiving to ensure that your business relationships are successful for the long haul. As Robert Kiyosaki famously said, ‘your net worth is who you know’ — and the right connections can open doors to opportunity and growth in ways you could never have imagined.