What are the most important skills for building lasting business relationships?

1 Know your goals

Before you start reaching out to people, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from your business relationships. Do you want to learn from experts, find mentors, collaborate on projects, or generate leads? Having specific and realistic goals will help you identify and target the right people, tailor your messages, and follow up effectively. It will also help you measure your progress and adjust your strategy as needed.

2 Be curious and helpful

One of the best ways to build lasting business relationships is to show genuine interest and curiosity in the people you meet. Ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and try to understand their challenges, goals, and passions. Don't just focus on yourself and your agenda, but try to find ways to add value and help them. For example, you can share relevant resources, introduce them to other contacts, or offer feedback or advice. By being curious and helpful, you'll demonstrate that you care and that you're not just looking for a transactional exchange.

3 Communicate effectively

Communication is the foundation of any successful relationship, and it's especially important in business networking. You need to communicate clearly, respectfully, and professionally with your contacts, whether it's through email, phone, or social media. You also need to adapt your communication style and tone to suit different situations and preferences. For example, some people may prefer a formal and concise approach, while others may appreciate a more casual and friendly one. You also need to be mindful of the timing and frequency of your communication, and avoid being too pushy or intrusive.

4 Nurture your relationships

Building lasting business relationships is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that requires regular attention and effort. You need to nurture your relationships by staying in touch, providing updates, celebrating achievements, and showing appreciation. You also need to look for opportunities to deepen your connections, such as meeting in person, collaborating on projects, or joining online communities. By nurturing your relationships, you'll keep them alive and strong, and create trust and loyalty.

5 Be authentic and ethical

Last but not least, you need to be authentic and ethical in your business networking. You need to be honest, respectful, and transparent with your contacts, and avoid any misleading or manipulative behavior. You also need to respect the boundaries and expectations of your relationships, and not abuse or exploit them for your own benefit. You also need to be yourself, and not pretend to be someone you're not, or agree with everything they say. By being authentic and ethical, you'll build your reputation and credibility, and attract like-minded people.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?