Relationships are everything in life and business. Think about the past month, how many times did a relationship lead to a sale, an introduction, or an opportunity? Ivin Misner of Business Networking International (BNI) is often quoted to have said, “Givers Gain” Corporate Alliance, a Utah-based networking organization has a key phrase I love, “People do Business with people they know, like & trust” and remind their members, “At the root of every business transaction is a relationship”. So true!!
Here’s some tips for how to succeed in building successful relationships on and offline.
Be Friendly & Sincere. Ask about Their Needs. Share Resources. Introduce them to Key Influencers, Resources, Look for ways to Help.
Keep in Touch via online resources such as Twitter, Facebook, and Linkedin, email, texting, and phone.
#1 Question to ask of yourself & others: What do you need next?
Have a clear intention. Listen & respond with possible solutions, connections, etc. Offer your best every time. Do what you say you’re going to do right away. If you don’t know how to help say, “I don’t know anyone, but I’ll be on the lookout for you.”
When someone reaches out to you, thank them. Hand written notes leave a great impression. Send holiday cards. Birthday wishes. Get to know what’s important to them. Give them little gifts. Send them links to articles they might like, etc.
ATTEND EVENTS. Connect after the event for lunch if possible or follow up with a phone call.
Join an organization! Startup Princess 
Chambers of Commerce, Networking Groups, BNI, etc.
Seth Godin recommends that we be active in at least 1 online community. My favorites are Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin. Update daily. ALWAYS reply to people who reach out you with a request or need. Use Hootsuite.com to manage your online communities.
Get to know your consumers, and where they hang out online. Go there. Get active in conversation. Always looking for ways to SERVE by offering helpful comments, ideas, etc. don’t ever ‘pitch’ in a comment unless you’ve built and established a relationship.
Seek to get to know the high influencers in your industry. Watch for ways you can help or support them. Comment on their blog, updates, etc. Get on the phone and get to know each other better! Offer them something, introduction, take them to lunch, or offer a free ad on your site, free ticket to an event, etc. Support and cheer them on.
Identify your Key Connections 10-20 people who you want to keep in touch with on a regular basis. Check in with them and see what’s going on, how you can help, etc. Don’t keep ‘score’ on how many times you’ve helped them, etc.
In the end, you’ll have amazing relationships for a lifetime, not just for ‘business’. Some of my very best friends were met online and at events. Enjoy the opportunities ahead!
-Kelly King Anderson, Founder of Startup Princess
Want to connect with me? I’d love to. Tweet me @startupprincess
