Rob Brown
How to Build Better Business Relationships
Monday, 04 May 2009 00:00
What many people don't realise about building relationships is that you've got to go out there and find them in the first place. New friends, customers and suppliers are not just going to land on your doorstep, unless your advertising and marketing is incredible. You need to be a little more proactive. Here are four of my best ideas to help you source and build the relationships you need for profit and success!
1. Take More Risks. Be brave. Take a chance! Approach a stranger. Who know what conversations lie on the other side of a courageous question? Who know what sales lie on the other side of a courageous close? Who knows what romance lies on the other side of a courageous approach?
"Nothing in life is worth having that doesn't lie on the other side of a risk"
Columbian proverb
2. Raise Your Profile. Get your name out there more. Let people know you're there. It doesn't serve your purpose to think small, and it doesn't help your cause to be the best kept secret in the world. Your strategy for survival is visibility, as on old mentor once taught me. Profile yourself with my three Ps - publish (books and articles), present (speaking, seminars) and party (networking).
3. Keep In Touch. Stay connected after the initial connection. Many relationships are like the seed that falls on stony ground. They never take root, and never get the love, attention, water and nourishment they need to grow. Anyone can say hello once. It's finding reasons to stay in touch, finding ways to help and offer value, finding things in common that is the mark of a great relationship builder.
4. Be A Connector. Be a conduit that people go through to get to others. Good mavens (as they are called) are good at joining the dots of people's careers, interests and desires. They make great introductions. If you can be a networking hub, people will come to you for advice on who to talk to for all kinds of things.
Get these right, and before too long, you'll be the talk of the town. Your business relationships will blossom and both your personal and company reputation will go sky high!
Recession Opression = Recession Opportunities
Change doesn't stop in a recession!
You may already be overwhelmed and oppressed by the amount of change, restructuring and cost-cutting you're going through. But the global recession is only going to exacerbate that!
Is there a silver lining in the cloud? Yes! Where there is danger, change and gloom, there is also opportunity, innovation and transformation.
Where people lose money, people can also make money.
Part 2 - Networking Tips for the Busy Season!
You're well into the festive season. but does it seem like the party atmosphere has not yet hit? After Part 1 of this three part series, we're moving onto a few social tips for Christmas and the New Year Celebrations. Reputations can be made or mangled in this celebratory time. WIth an array of regular business-related events plus Christmas parties, festive 'mixers' and social gatherings, your good name is on the line. Coming up are my Eight Top Tips to help you use the social side of business to enhance the business side of your reputation, including how to socialise, how to be seen with the right people and what not to do when you're networking!
Part 3 - Networking Tips for the Busy Season!
Rob Invited to TV's Secret Millionaire
Received a lovely email this week inviting me to appear on the The Secret Millionaire. This is an award-winning and critically acclaimed documentary series about philanthropy on UK's Channel 4. Brilliant programme - I've been a fan for a long time. And while I'm negotiating with the producers on giving the whole thing a new twist, they asked me if I knew any millionaires who would be up for this amazingly positive and life changing experience. Could be you, a friend or client. Click here or connect with me if they want the contact details of the producers! Let's make a difference!
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