5 Smart Tips For Building Business Relationships
Posted on: 21 June 2016
Creating a startup business is difficult when you have little to no contacts in the business world. You need to get your name out there and create some business relationships. This can be done by networking online and offline. Here are some tips for creating successful business relationships.
Join Groups
Many social media websites have groups that people can create for any interest that they have. You can create your own group or join groups that pertain to your business type or interests. The best thing you can do is join some groups that have people as members who you would like to network with. The groups will allow you to get to know these people and allow them to get to know you. It's a good way to begin building business relationships without pressure.
Volunteer with Organizations
Volunteer positions are a great way to get your foot in the door and grow your contact list. Choose organizations that tie into the same niche as your startup business. You can meet professionals while you're volunteering and get to know them on a business and more personal level. The more people you know, the more help you can get with your startup when the time comes to need them.
Collect Referrals
Ask for referrals for people who could potentially help you or invest in your startup. Once you receive a referral, make sure you follow up on it quickly. When people give out referrals, they're essentially vouching for you and putting their own neck on the line. Make sure you don't smear their name by being disrespectful when you follow up. Keep the calls and meetings professional and respectful.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
When engaging in networking conversations, make sure you ask open-ended questions. Sticking to yes or no questions shows that you have tunnel-vision when it comes to the conversation that you want to have. If you ask open-ended questions instead, you are showing that you care what the other person has to say and you are interested in getting to know him or her. Business relationships need to go beyond "just business" while still holding professional boundaries. When people work together in the business world, they need to be able to trust each other. No one can trust you if you don't let them get to know you or you don't bother to get to know them.
Give to Get
You can't just ask for something without giving a little first. You should always give before you ask. For example, don't write an e-mail to someone you don't even know and ask for an investment with your business plan attached to it. Successful business people are asked for help every single day, and you need to give them a reason to pick you, and it has to go above and beyond your idea. You need to make them want to root for you and see you succeed, and people don't do that for someone they know nothing about. Tell the person you want to build a business relationship, ask if there is anything you can volunteer to help with, and set up proper business meetings. In the digital age, people are so used to instant contacts and information, they forget that there is still a proper etiquette to follow. Don't lose your business etiquette just because sending an e-mail is simple.
Business networking is building business relationships. It's something you need to do if you want to step foot into the business world. If you're going to do some networking to find contacts to assist with your startup, make sure you follow these tips so you can do it successfully. For more tips, find a local company that specializes in helping you form business start up connections.
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