Relationships, in both your personal and business life, are a key component of success. We aren't really taught how to do relationships well. But people are more likely to want to do business with someone who is honest and likable than someone who is less than pleasant. Improving communications and relationships is an important area to focus on because it is so likely to improve your business and your life in general.
Because there have so many critical ethics violations by large corporations, there has been a new call for businesses to be "transparent"-that is radically honest. Studies have shown that customers are more loyal to companies that make mistakes, quickly admit them and fix the problem than they are to companies who never made a mistake. Be as transparent as possible with your customers, vendors and employees to improve your reputation.
Eye contact is crucial when you are interacting directly with an individual. Eye contact indicates that you are listening and that you care. We've all been involved in a conversation with someone whose eyes are traveling the room. This makes the speaker feel devalued. Pay attention and look them in the eye.
It is important in building relationships to get to know the people you are involved with. You do this by asking them questions about their lives and their interests. It is surprising how few people do this and it is an easy way to gain loyalty, from both customers and employees. Get to really know the people around you and your business will prosper.
Everyone sends out non-verbal cues about how they are feeling. This is body language and learning to read it can help you understand the motivations and needs of others. Lack of eye contact, crossed arms, a tilted head all hold meaning. Learning to reading body language can help you in sales and managing your every day business relationships.
Don't be stingy with praise. Notice and point out the positives about other people. Dale Carnegie wrote How to Win Friends and Influence People more than 50 years ago and it's advice stands the test of time. Find something positive to (genuinely) point out in everyone you meet. Whether it is something they are wearing or how they handled a customer, being diligent in praising others makes you a more likable person.
Always stay open to the input or criticism of others. By allowing that, you set an example for others and set a standard for honesty and accountability. Both of these help create strong relationships in both your personal and business life. Sometimes this small, but important skill set is what sets your business apart.
Because there have so many critical ethics violations by large corporations, there has been a new call for businesses to be "transparent"-that is radically honest. Studies have shown that customers are more loyal to companies that make mistakes, quickly admit them and fix the problem than they are to companies who never made a mistake. Be as transparent as possible with your customers, vendors and employees to improve your reputation.
Eye contact is crucial when you are interacting directly with an individual. Eye contact indicates that you are listening and that you care. We've all been involved in a conversation with someone whose eyes are traveling the room. This makes the speaker feel devalued. Pay attention and look them in the eye.
It is important in building relationships to get to know the people you are involved with. You do this by asking them questions about their lives and their interests. It is surprising how few people do this and it is an easy way to gain loyalty, from both customers and employees. Get to really know the people around you and your business will prosper.
Everyone sends out non-verbal cues about how they are feeling. This is body language and learning to read it can help you understand the motivations and needs of others. Lack of eye contact, crossed arms, a tilted head all hold meaning. Learning to reading body language can help you in sales and managing your every day business relationships.
Don't be stingy with praise. Notice and point out the positives about other people. Dale Carnegie wrote How to Win Friends and Influence People more than 50 years ago and it's advice stands the test of time. Find something positive to (genuinely) point out in everyone you meet. Whether it is something they are wearing or how they handled a customer, being diligent in praising others makes you a more likable person.
Always stay open to the input or criticism of others. By allowing that, you set an example for others and set a standard for honesty and accountability. Both of these help create strong relationships in both your personal and business life. Sometimes this small, but important skill set is what sets your business apart.
About the Author:
With 30 years of consulting experience, Steven Schlagel provides professional training for startups, entrepreneurs and small business owners. Check his site for more articles to increase your success!
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