How to Build Solid Business Relationships

On a basic level, good business relationships are the lifeblood of business success. People do business with people and relationship is key. So, do you know how to build business relationships? If you don’t, fear not. Here are five easy ways to do it.

Be Helpful: This is where you start. Your business relationship gets stronger when you find ways to give massive value to your stakeholders. You could do this by providing helpful content and insight, connecting them to useful relationships, sharing profitable opportunities with stakeholders, etc. Get creative in how you can be helpful based on your understanding of your stakeholders' needs.?

Respect People’s Time: In business, people do not want to feel disrespected and one way to ensure that they don’t is by respecting their time. Here, you do your best to keep time and deadline agreements. When people feel respected by you, business dealings tend to go well. Furthermore, they are comfortable engaging with you because they know that you won’t disorganize their plans by not meeting deadlines.?

Respect Cultural Context: Often, entrepreneurs fail to understand the cultural dimension of business. In the global business ecosystem, culture plays a vital role. How business is done in Kenya is different from how it is done in Japan and you must be sensitive to the cultural dynamics if you must thrive. Typically, people shut down when they believe that you are insensitive to their culture. Study the cultural practices of the market(s) in which you operate, and your business relationships will be better for it.

Keep Your Word: In my view, the proverbial handshake still applies in the twenty-first century. Although we now have legal instruments to protect business interests, people expect you to keep your word and respect terms. If you build the reputation of breaking your promises, people get uncomfortable with the idea of doing business with you. People do business with those they know, like, and trust.

Protect People’s Interests: The late renowned author and motivational speaker, zig Ziglar said: “You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” How true. This idea goes against the common greed culture in business. But instead of focusing on your needs, you get better results and build solid business relationships when you help people get what they want. People feel assured when they know that their interest is secured with you and this could make you their preferred business partner.

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Photo by: Steve Johnson

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