3 Reasons Why Relationships Matter in the World of Business

Creating, building, and maintaining relationships with one another are activities that are at the heart of what we as humans are designed to do. The common saying “two heads are better than one” encompasses the very idea that collaboration with others is essential in every day of life, especially in the business world. In my time with Sysco Corporation, I have seen the importance of relationships, whether that be with suppliers, coworkers, or upper management. The management of relationships was a topic I first grasped in my Procurement class for Supply Chain Management at the University of Arkansas. Supplier Relationship Management, SRM, was the pinnacle of this class. This process involves creating collaborative relationships with key suppliers, which is effective relationship management at its core. In the following article, I will discuss a few reasons why relationships are crucial in the business world.

1.??????Intentional relationships bridge the gap between a supplier and their customer

In a supplier-customer relationship, intentionality and consistency are at the core. You want strong partnerships with your customers. In any relationship, when a friend is not doing well, you want them to know that you will be there for them no matter what. The same concept applies to a business relationship. When operations are going poorly, you want your customer to know you are there for them just as much as you would be for them when operations are going well. This notion is what Sysco followed amidst the pandemic- their business with customers continued because the need for food continued. This steady business would not have been attainable without the relationships that Sysco had and continues to have with its customers. We meet with suppliers and build intentional partnerships to develop consistency with vendors to be repeat customers. In doing so, we create customer loyalty and retention. Sysco has had customers for many years because of its effective relationship management.

2.??????Relationships provide networking opportunities for future career ventures

During my internship these past six weeks, I have had the privilege of attending dinners with our Indirect Sourcing suppliers and our Sysco customers. Building relationships with those who work in industries ranging from equipment manufacturers to consulting firms have broadened my scope to different business industries. I follow these meetings with a quick “connect” button on LinkedIn to stay in touch with those I meet throughout my internship. Once I meet one person, that person may know someone who could connect me to the next. The same goes for anyone in the realm of business. How can you build on the relationships you already have yet continue to make connections with those you do not know? The answer to this question is why LinkedIn is a critical resource for making connections in the business world. It serves as a hub to further relationships that you form in your career.

3.??????Collaboration allows for the capitalization of one’s strengths and abilities

Relationships among coworkers are essential in the workplace. Each member on a team can individually provide expertise on a subject while simultaneously adding personal value. One member can showcase their strengths to their team, allowing the whole team to celebrate successes together. Relationships bring the intangible aspects of a business to the table- trust, honesty, and friendships that go beyond the workforce. I have seen this on my team this summer with Sysco. I have stepped into a welcoming team where relationships were already formed in a way that encouraged me to join. Each member of the Indirect Sourcing team contributes their strengths, knowledge, and a unique personality that make the team whole. This team is just a small snippet of teams throughout Sysco that capitalize on each member’s abilities that allow the company to flourish, showing the importance of relationships in the realm of business.