Are you in the relationship business? Of course you are. Everyone who has to work with, deal with, sell to, convince, is! Unless youre 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 practices these three rules.
Rule #1:
Its 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 didnt 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:
Its 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:
Its what you do. The art of relationship building is like a simple piece of string. Pull it and itll 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 t inspire, influence, or do business with?
Remember, winning relationships are keys to professional success. Skill in building and maintaining business relationships are valuable not only to sales people but to everyone from the shop floor to the top floor and everything in between.
Take a Quick Look.
Think of someone whom you have a great relationship with - a friend, neighbor, co-worker, client, or even a boss. What makes it great? Why is this relationship important to you? What do you do to make it work? What does the other person do to make it work? How can you take this learning and apply it to other relationships you have in your personal and professional life?
Marcia Zidle, a business and leadership development expert, works with entrepreneurial organizations who want to be a dominant player in competing for customers, clients, funding or community awareness.
In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy say, Toto, I have a feeling were not in Kansas anymore. Well business, government and community leaders, Marcia says, Its no longer business as usual anymore; its business that has to better than usual.
Do you want to be better than usual? Then subscribe to Making Waves! a free monthly e-newsletter with quick lessons on better, faster, smarter ways to lead. Sign up now at http://www.LeadersAtAllLevels.com and get a 35 page bonus e-book: Make Bold Change! 101 Ways to Stomp Out Business As Usual. Or contact Marcia directly at 800-971-7619.
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