The list below is intended to stimulate your own thinking about relationship building. Some of these ideas will work for you while others will not seem appropriate. Stick with what feels right. While business relationships can be built on purely business interests, personal connections are likely to build stronger bonds.

1. Send notes of congratulations. Pay attention to industry publications, internet news sites that highlight your clients and their companies.

2. Help someone's family member with a job search. If job notices come across your desk, forward them to people who might be interested

3. Refer business to them. One of the best ways to generate business referrals is to make referrals yourself.

4. Introduce them to someone who can solve a problem they have. Referring good vendors to your contacts shows that you are resourceful.

5. Introduce them to someone who you think they should meet. Maybe you know someone who has dealt with a similar business issue and might be willing to share his experience.

6. Participate in a charitable cause that is of interest to a potential client or referral source. Only get involved on an ongoing basis if you care about the cause yourself.

7. Keep track of people's interests. Then email or send articles, books, blogs that match their interests.

8. Ask for their comments on an article you are writing. You will end up with a better article and by asking, you will be communicating that you value their opinion.

9. Invite them to a sporting, cultural or civic event. Make sure it’s an event that you like and that the prospect likes.

10. Send holiday gifts. When possible, try to make the gift personal or at least choose something you think the individual will like.

11. Respond to business announcements they send out. People generally appreciate feedback after they send out a mailing, particularly if it is marketing literature.

12. Establish a common connection. For example, same school, town, common professional or personal contacts.

13. Teach them something about a subject that you know something about. For example, how to use a piece of technology; good places to vacation in the Caribbean; how to find a reputable dog breeder).

14. Get them publicity. Invite them to participate on a panel with you, co present at an industry conference, or suggest their name as a source to reporters.

15. Go if you are invited. Attend a presentation or open house or luncheon they are sponsoring. Then send a note of appreciation and congratulations.

If you make a point of trying to be helpful to the professionals in your network, your relationships will grow. Whether you use any of the suggestions above or find other ways to connect, relationship building will lead to business if you stick with it over a long period of time.

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