|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you're in a business relationship with anyone ? a client, vendor, or customer ? how important is that relationship to you? Do you value the relationship? Do you want to nurture it?
A business relationship, like any relationship, is a two-way street. The expectations of both parties needs be clear and easily understandable. Applying the Golden Rule is also a good idea: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." That is a very powerful statement, and one I try to practice in my daily life, both in business and personal matters.
Good communication is key for any business relationship to grow and thrive. Even when conflicts surface (and they will), keeping the lines of communication open at all times is extremely important. Meet conflicts head-on, no matter how frightening they may seem at the time. The sooner the issues are out on the table and dealt with, the sooner you can get back on track and back to business-as-usual.
Another thing to keep in mind is letting people know you appreciate them. Thank you notes, cards and e-mails are always a good idea, and they never go out of style. People love to be appreciated. If you are receiving great business from someone, always be sure to let them know. You will feel better for it, and so will they.
Another great idea is to reach out and "touch" your clients and customers on a regular basis by sending them monthly newsletters. This is a wonderful way to keep in touch, both to let them know you are thinking about them, and to remind them about you as well.
Remember, you get out of a great relationship what you put into it. Value those you do business with. Nurture the relationships, so they are always growing and prospering. Keep this up and you will always have a garden full of healthy, happy business contacts.
© 2005 Cynthia Morse, Virtually At Your Service. All rights reserved.
You're welcome to reprint this story. If you do, please include this reference: Cynthia Morse CAP is a Virtual Assistant, and the owner of Virtually At Your Service, http://www.virtuallyatyourservice.biz. She offers remote administrative support to small business owners and other busy professionals from her home office, allowing them the time to focus on what they love and do best. Sign up at http://www.virtuallyatyourservice.biz to receive her e-zine "Virtual Service Connection" for monthly tips and resources benefiting small business owners.
How does one determine which are the best events to... Read More
Not all dot-com dreams died when the Internet stock bubble... Read More
If you own a franchise you should be in contact... Read More
There is a rather famous true story called "Acres of... Read More
Recently, while providing an up-and-coming Virtual Assistant (VA) and small... Read More
How can the introduction of new products affect the way... Read More
For years we've been taught to identify ourselves as reps... Read More
Real networking isn't about handing out business cards at a... Read More
Definition: talk idly or casually in a friendly way Value:... Read More
Today's economy presents some very special challenges to people who... Read More
Know your customer, know your customer, know your customer. Three... Read More
Jean de la Bruyere said, "The great gift of conversation... Read More
"The Networking Factor, Everyone is important!" This slogan reminds me... Read More
Ever use someone else to get your message out?For example,... Read More
What happens when you meet a potential client at an... Read More
Sigmund Freud says "a person's name is the single context... Read More
Why is it so important to network with other people... Read More
How's your relationship?I'm not prying into your personal life, so... Read More
My neighbor ? a lovely man I've known, and have... Read More
The festive season is a great time to sharpen and... Read More
Network marketing is the ordinary person's best opportunity to make... Read More
Successful networking requires the understanding from the get-go that it... Read More
A few years back when I moved to Charlotte, NC... Read More
Why are people scared to ask for a referral? Is... Read More
You're at a conference. Someone steps in the elevator, notices... Read More
Who needs a network of people to talk to about... Read More
Real networking isn't about handing out business cards at a... Read More
The StoryWhen attending conferences, conventions, or private events, it's guaranteed... Read More
Jean de la Bruyere said, "The great gift of conversation... Read More
When I walked into Dallas's famous Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse, all... Read More
Because a person's name is the single context of human... Read More
The festive season is a great time to sharpen and... Read More
Let's test your knowledge on networking:1)The best definition of networking... Read More
Before we talk about specific networking tips I want to... Read More
For those of you interested in international business transactions or... Read More
June is reality check month. Lots of the resolutions have... Read More
Did you just meet the most important person in your... Read More
"If you build a better mouse trap - the world... Read More
It's a classic mistake by networkers: their approach is focused... Read More
You see him from across the room. You know him,... Read More
Quote of the week"The answer is always no...unless you ask."... Read More
In life, you have to successfully work with people to... Read More
What is the biggest advantage of forming an alliance?Everyone has... Read More
You're terrible with names. You forget someone's name within ten... Read More
Networking: Is it who you know or what you know... Read More
I bet you have not thought about it much, but... Read More
"It's not what you know, it's who you know."This old... Read More
Are you in the relationship business? Of course you are.... Read More
For years we've been taught to identify ourselves as reps... Read More
Do you use Ryze or LinkedIn to promote your web... Read More
Networking |