Relationships Are Important In Business--But Don't Abuse Them

by Kori Rodley Irons | More from this Blogger

25 Aug 2007 08:24 AM

I often write about how important networking and relationships are to building a strong home business. Business really is ALL ABOUT relationships, as far as I am concerned, but that doesn't necessarily translate into quantity or intensity. Sure, you want to keep broadening your sphere of influence, but there is such as a thing as putting too much pressure on your friends, family and colleagues and abusing those very relationships you need to sustain your business.

I have mentioned before that I have an extensive background working in nonprofit management and fund development. One of the things I learned in my years of raising money and getting grants and donations was that I just couldn't go back to the same businesses and individuals again and again with too much frequency. No matter how generous someone or a business was, I definitely could burn them out with too many requests. When I became a consultant, this was one of the things I stressed to fledgling organizations--you have to go for the long-term sustaining relationship and not put too much pressure on people in the short-term. It is healthier for the organization or business and much better for your reputation.

You may need to keep good notes and track your contacts, pitches and asks that you make with customers and prospects. This can just be good business sense anyway so that you can keep a history of how you have interacted with people, what sort of questions they've asked, or whether or not they've showed any interest in your business products and/or services. Working to not strain or abuse your relationships doesn't mean you have to avoid people, contact is good but you can make sure that you don't push your business or try to make a sale for a few "touches" instead of talking up business at every single meeting. Make sure the relationship goes beyond business and it will last longer and be stronger.

Also: Sometimes,They Just Need a Little Hand-Holding

Just Because Customers Aren't Making a Fuss--Doesn't Mean They Don't Need Our Attention

Getting to Know Customers and Clients Outside of Business

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