Are You in the Relationship Business?

Are you in the relationship business? Of course you are. Everyone who has to work with, deal with, sell to, convince, etc. is! Unless you’re on a deserted island, you must connect with, interact, and influence people every single day. Building relationships today mean better business tomorrow.

Successful business and professional leaders know their #1 objective is getting their quality products and services out the door to those who will buy or use them. Unfortunately no leader can just wave a wand and make it happen. They have to rely on people - employees to work with them, vendors to supply them and customers to come to them. These leaders are not just good but great at building relationships because they practice these three rules.

Rule #1: It’s what you think.

Not surprisingly, successful leaders strongly believe in the value of building relationships with others inside and out of their organization. If they didn’t think relationships make a difference to their professional or personal success, then why would they make the effort? Connecting with others is high on their priority list. How much effort are you making to connect with others?

Rule #2: It’s what you pay attention to.

Successful leaders make the time to get to know others, ask about their problems and acknowledge their ideas. Identifying shared interests, experiences and goals develops rapport and also builds long-term trust. Are you taking the time to really get to know your staff, co-workers, suppliers and customers?

Rule #3: It’s what you do.

The art of relationship building is like a simple piece of string. Pull it and it’ll follow you wherever you want. Push it and it will go nowhere. The same concept applies when it comes to influencing others. Super leaders build allies not enemies. They are approachable, have a knack to ‘tune in’ accurately to the needs of others and, most importantly, follow through. Do you build allies or enemies with those who you need to inspire, influence, or do business with?

Remember, winning relationships are the keys to business and professional success. Building relationships today with prospects, customers, employers and suppliers means that you will survive and thrive tomorrow.

Leadership Matters! Do You Have It?

Powerful leaders lead powerful organizations! Make it happen for you. Take a look at these resources: Coaching 4 Results, Branding 4 Service, Speaking 4 Impact and W.O.W.W. Tools . Be a Force for the Future.

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