We all recognize the importance of building relationships in
business. Ask anyone if a relationships are important in business and
you'll get the same answer.
Four fun, real-life, business relationship scenarios:
1. Relationship
I'm in a small shoe store with my better half. A
chain store. We were at the same store a month before. The salesmen asks
her if she has worn those _____ (enter detailed description of the
single pair of shoes she bought a month ago). This sales person sold
another pair of shoes.
2. No relationship
I'm talking with a vendor who I have talked and exchanged emails with
several times. He's telling me how great his software is, why it's
better and why it's going to be more productive. The extent of his
connection with me outside of this sales pitch is him calling me
"Buddy." I told him I would call him back if we were interested.
3. Relationship
I'm talking with a marketing consultant about cause marketing. Very
interesting stuff. He asks me what my favorite movie is.
4. No relationship
I receive form emails from a woman who wants me to attend her business
networking mixer. I don't know her, I don't
know anyone on her list. Sounds like a
perfect event. She sends a desperate final email asking what she has to
do to get people to RSVP for her mixer. I reply to her with the only
four points that anyone with a list and an event needs to know to get
people enrolled. She types back, "Thanks," and proceeds to send more
email reminders. Not only was there no relationship created, but a
networking opportunity was missed while attempting to put on a
networking event. Heh.
Building a relationship with someone in business is easy. Just be the person who you are after work for a few minutes during work and you're good to go.
