Go beyond First Impressions

6 Steps to Creating Deeper Relationships

A miller and his son were taking their donkey to sell at the market when they passed a group of girls who laughed at how foolish the miller was to have a donkey but yet be walking. So the miller put his son on the donkey.

Further down the road, they passed some older people who scolded the miller for allowing his young son to ride, when he should be riding himself. So the miller removed his son and mounted the donkey.

Later they passed some travellers who said if he wanted to sell the donkey, the two of them should carry him or he'd be exhausted and worthless. So the miller and his son bound the donkey's legs to a pole and carried him.

When they approached the town, the people laughed at the sight of them, so loud that they notice frightened the donkey, who kicked out and ran away. Embarrassed, the miller and his son went home with nothing, save the lesson that you will achieve nothing by trying to please everyone.

There's a hard truth here that is at the heart of all relationships, even brand new ones. So often we try to connect with people, and we do our best to leave a good impression on them, but that's not the right approach.

A good impression is a fine start to a relationship, but there's a lot more involved in building meaningful relationships. Here's six step-by-step keys to creating successful relationships, from first impression to a lasting partnership.

1. Bring the right energy;

This is where it all starts when making an impression. You can either leave someone feeling like they need to have you around or you will leave them feeling like they don't want to see you again.

2. Don't fear vulnerability;

Vulnerability allows people to connect deeper because a strong sense of trust develops when both parties begin to see that there is nothing to hide. But it starts with one party opening up more. Vulnerability is a strength in any relationship.

3. Offer empathy;

When you truly open up, listen in, and care about people you begin to understand them. People can sense when you truly care, and that's when a deeper connection happens.

4. Make yourself valuable;

The more we give without expecting anything in return, the more that will be given back to us. You have to offer real value and contribute to the people around you. They will see you as a necessary part of their life and business.

5. Express gratitude;

When you give the other party the ability to feel like they are contributing to your growth and your life, you are making the relationship even stronger. Don't ever forget that a strong relationship also involves receiving and making the other person aware that they are appreciated.

6. Be consistent;

Fairly self-explanatory, right? The more you show up doing all the things above, the more you will connect with the people in your life and the business you want to grow. It's not a short process and that's why some people can't build strong relationships. It's a long and involved evolution that takes time to build.

Use these steps to build amazing relationships in your life, with your family, among your teams, your professional network and beyond.

All the key points involve growth and never-ending improvement for the sake of other people, because they're worth it.

Every day we must ask ourselves;

"How can I help those around me?"

Keep people first, and you will start to build strong, purpose-filled relationships subconsciously.

Courtesy of Success Magazine & Tristan Ahumada.