Partnership is a fuel that drives every business. Every business owner understands this, hence always looking forward to collaborations.
However, not every business partnership is profitable to both parties.
Having said that, Business relationship is not only about two entities, relationship can also be looked upon from business owner to workers perspective.
Also from business organization to the government, or other businesses.
Today, my focus is on business relationship from two business organizations, and how to strengthen the relationship.
“How do I address the person? And what do I talk to him or her about?
”This is often the question people who want to contact someone – for example at an association conference.
Getting in touch is very easy. Suppose your target person is the managing director of a medium-sized company.
Then, take a look at the company website beforehand! How does your target person present themselves there?
Is there your CV there? If not, take a look at Xing or LinkedIn.
And do you google what is on the Internet about your target person and their company – for example in the “News” section of Google?
Maybe she wrote professional articles. Then a conversation start could be: “Mr. Meyer (or Ms. Chaktty), I recently read an article from you on the subject of x. It inspired me because….
”Such a start in a conversation flatters almost everyone, and the door is now open for conversation.
Before contacting anyone in person, ask yourself: Am I in the right mood to do this?
Because if you are in a bad mood and don’t really feel like making a small talk, the person you’re meeting will feel this – not only based on your body language.
Your eyes are particularly treacherous. So, when you’re in a bad mood, stop networking. Or put yourself in a good mood beforehand.
The goal of networking is not to get a deal wrapped up in the short term.
Rather, it’s about building sustainable relationships.
That assumes that you have a real interest in the target person.
You should signal to her: “I find you and what you do interesting.” But be careful, TechPally boss reinstated.
Don’t be a clumsy flatterer. Communicate at eye level, because you want to be an attractive partner.
Of course, business relationship management is ultimately about business.
But don’t rush anything. Business relationships have to grow.
And those who always want something, but rarely give something, quickly appear unsympathetic.
For other people to trust you, you have to be willing to make upfront payments.
For example, by revealing knowledge in a conversation.
You have to maintain contacts once you have made, otherwise, the bond of the relationship will get weak.
That takes time – time that you often lack in everyday work.
Therefore, for people who are important to you, enter, for example, one year in advance every two months in the calendar: “Call Health-pally“.
Otherwise, before you know it, six months will have passed and the people you maintain relationship with will become odd in your contact list.
A net is not a string, it consists of many threads interwoven with each other.
You should therefore help to establish relationships between your network partners – for example, by recommending one partner to another if necessary.
Often times, you’ll find some old partnership not working again, you need to prune your contact list from time to time, TechPally boss advised.
You don’t have to delete the contact, you can just group and segregate it from a working contact list.
Maintaining contacts takes time – time that you lack to establish and expand other valuable relationships.