The Power of Strong Relationships in Business
The Power of Strong Relationships in Business
– We all have heard the infamous rule – widely spread by Donald Trump – don’t mix personal with business. If this may be true, it should however never mean that you cannot build close relationships with your clients. Here are a few tips on the power of strong and honest relationships.
Take the Time to Listen
In an era of an extremely fast flow of information, where people’s minds are constantly challenged, it remains essential to be able to listen to your client. Give them the time to tell you what they need, what they are looking for and why they chose to come see you. And yes, some clients may be more personal and start opening up to you, but this will help you get to know them better and make sure you give them what they need back.
In an era of an extremely fast flow of information, where people’s minds are constantly challenged, it remains essential to be able to listen to your client. Give them the time to tell you what they need, what they are looking for and why they chose to come see you. And yes, some clients may be more personal and start opening up to you, but this will help you get to know them better and make sure you give them what they need back.
Find Out: Ask the Right Questions
Asking questions will allow you to know your customers better. The more you know, the better you will be able to respond to their needs. It does not mean you should be invasive, just be honest and interested. Questions about someone’s family may tell you a lot about their lifestyle and in turn, their needs.
Asking questions will allow you to know your customers better. The more you know, the better you will be able to respond to their needs. It does not mean you should be invasive, just be honest and interested. Questions about someone’s family may tell you a lot about their lifestyle and in turn, their needs.
Pick Up the Phone and Call Back
Strong relationships are based on little attentions. If you said you will call a customer back as soon as you have a new delivery, then do it. Don’t wait for them to call you back. Make sure that you have a dedicated notebook on your desk where you pinpoint the date, the name of the customer, their request and leave some space to indicate the day you should call them back.
Strong relationships are based on little attentions. If you said you will call a customer back as soon as you have a new delivery, then do it. Don’t wait for them to call you back. Make sure that you have a dedicated notebook on your desk where you pinpoint the date, the name of the customer, their request and leave some space to indicate the day you should call them back.
Build Trust
Not being personal does not mean not being trustworthy. Trust is at the basis of any strong relationship. Make sure that your customers know they can rely on you, that you won’t fool them around. The simplest way to do this is to be honest. Tell the truth if there is a delay; don’t wait until days have passed to inform waiting customers. Treat others the way you would like to be treated; it is a simple, but golden rule.
Not being personal does not mean not being trustworthy. Trust is at the basis of any strong relationship. Make sure that your customers know they can rely on you, that you won’t fool them around. The simplest way to do this is to be honest. Tell the truth if there is a delay; don’t wait until days have passed to inform waiting customers. Treat others the way you would like to be treated; it is a simple, but golden rule.
Coffee or Tea?
More and more businesses around the world offer little extra luxuries that make a big difference. Offering coffee or tea to your customers, even if they are not meant to stay long, is a simple way to break the ice and start up a conversation without making it too obvious that you want to sell something. It does not take much and it will make them want to stay longer feeling more comfortable and treated.
More and more businesses around the world offer little extra luxuries that make a big difference. Offering coffee or tea to your customers, even if they are not meant to stay long, is a simple way to break the ice and start up a conversation without making it too obvious that you want to sell something. It does not take much and it will make them want to stay longer feeling more comfortable and treated.
Personal versus professional should not be a choice; there will be clients whom you will be closer to than others. What matters is how strong your relationships are. If you can build a network of relationships based on trust, honesty, integrity and respect, then you will have the foundations for a strong and prosperous business. No matter how personal they are.
Thursday, 30 June 2011
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