“Til the wheels fall off,” is the cliché line that people in relationships quote to declare their dedication to the relationship. It’s one of hundreds of metaphors people use to describe their commitment to a relationship.
In business, it is all about building relationships. However, like romantic relationships, there is always a driver in business relationships. How do you become the driver and ensure that your relationships are quality?
Get social.
There are various ways people connect and meet each other. Globalization and mobilization are virtually obtainable anywhere in the world. Digging into how we connect with people not only enhances the quality of the people but also the quality of the relationship.If you want a business relationship, you need to get active on social media. According to Pew Research Center, 71% of all adults over the age of 25 are on social media. These social tools include: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pintrest. For business sake we will stray away from the Match.com and eHarmony statistics.
People want to be social and feel like they are doing business without actually doing business. It all comes down to trust. What better way to learn if you can trust someone, than if you approach him or her from a social (business etiquette included) interaction? Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best, “Trust men and they will be true to you: treat them greatly and they will show themselves great." The best way to initiate conversation is through a social non-committal virtual platform.
Be face to face.
Face to face networking is still crucial, even with the advent of social media platforms. According to Great Business Schools, 95% of people have more success in creating new long lasting relationships when they attend a networking event. Although “networking” has become an overused (and beaten-to-death) sales term, presenting yourself in a neutral social environment enhances the trust and the quality of the relationship. What better way to get to know someone than to be physically in front of them? Romantically, you could never be in a relationship with someone you have not met in person. You can’t date someone, at least not effectively, through email … so why do it in business?Have accountability.
If you are demanding trust and loyalty in a quality long lasting business relationship then you need to exemplify these actions in return; if not first. Be thoughtful and genuine in your questions and responses. Have integrity and always be honest with everything. Even if the truth is harsh or something the prospect relationship may not want to hear, they will appreciate the honesty in the end. Moreover, your honesty will not only solidify the relationship, but also strengthen it. And stronger relationships means better business.
If you are looking for quality long lasting business relationships, get social, get out there, and hold accountability! There’s no better way to develop strong relationships.