Photo by the Digital Artist via Pixabay
Attract the Right Job Or Clientele:
Are You Building Professional Relationships?
From day one on the job as an employee or upon approaching a prospective client, it is helpful and necessary to focus on building professional relationships with the people you meet. Being remote or in the office as an employee, it may seem trickier to be consistently professional than someone who focuses their attention on their clientele. Yet, there is always room for improvement for most. It is essential to become familiar in a professional and friendly manner with co-workers.
Trickier is being on a job interview with needing to answer questions carefully while wondering about equality, equity, and inclusion status. Given the sensitive subject matter, it becomes vital to use a professionally friendly tone of voice. No matter the type of person or number of people we are in contact with, it is essential always to attempt to build professional relationships. When we feel a potential comfort level upfront, we have the signal to continue.
My Story
Preparation is vital for all meetings, including researching the internet about the people and the company we are about to contact. The extra step is to review their competitors to realize the uniqueness of their approach to business and delivery of services. The underlying value and bonus of checking out competitors are that you may gain different ideas for companies to approach for gaining business or acquiring an additional job interview.
Ask and Listen to Learn vs. Talking with Bragging
Questions are essential to get the conversation on the track we desire. Ideally, the questions encourage insight into the thought process of the person we ask. The idea is to connect the other person’s current thoughts with ours and how working together may benefit all parties. By gaining their perspective upfront, we realize whether we want to continue the conversation. And if we continue, it becomes easier to know how to proceed. The same holds for fellow employees, prospective clients, hiring managers, and those we encounter while networking.
The questions raise curiosity on the prospect’s side. From their perspective, they will want to know:
- Why are you asking?
- What is the benefit of my revealing the truth?
- Is it possible you are the person that I seek?
Should ‘yes’ be the answer to their last question, we will pleasantly be surprised by all that the person reveals. The people in a conversation are intrigued by the openness and desire to understand the complete picture before attempting to sell or sell themselves as the better candidate. Approaching people in this manner enables building professional relationships.
Networking
In-person events are once again picking up, but the practice of building professional relationships may be somewhat rusty. One question that can lead to a productive conversation is, ‘what caught your attention to attend the event?’ And then an exchange about our work can develop more efficiently. Better yet, it is when ideas arise to further each other’s work and may benefit many. Building professional relationships is essential for effective networking.
Follow-Up
Similar to making a sale, it is always best to follow up upon making a connection. A simple email, message, or old-fashioned note stating why we enjoyed meeting the other person may further the initial conversation and potentially help grow the business.
Your Story: Building Professional Relationships
Being on the job where not everyone feels inclusion is a part of the everyday experience will hamper building professional relationships. Companies do best when they commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The practice encourages employees to contribute their best and stay in one’s employ for the long term. A happy staff contributes well to the company’s bottom line.
It’s always good to reflect on relationships that are not stellar to potentially discover if there is a way to improve the situation. Should the answer be no, consider what you may do moving forward to create new and better connections. No matter who you meet, most want to feel respect upfront and that they matter. Most likely, the situation applies to you, too.
To sell well, it’s wise to momentarily imagine yourself in a similar position as the people you meet. Doing so creates empathy, a more understanding approach, and the likelihood of continuing the conversation. The client’s bottom line isn’t merely financial. It is also about feeling understood, believing you will serve them well and that they can trust you to deliver your best.
In Conclusion: Building Professional Relationships
Becoming proficient at establishing credibility and trust upfront contributes heavily to building professional relationships and growing business.
For More Insights: Visit Elinor’s Amazon Author Page
“Communicate to Attract Interest”
Be A Story-Teller
As the CEO of Smooth Sale, after her near-death experience, Stutz adapted the motto,
“Believe, Become, Empower“
” Nice Girls DO Get the Sale is an International Best-Selling and Evergreen Book – among the classics;
HIRED! Helped many to secure the job they desired.
Related Blog Stories:
Sales Tips: Building Professional Relationships
- Being professionally friendly leads to building professional relationships and growing business.
- Making introductions on behalf of others is typically memorable and will circle back on your behalf.
- Inquiring about updates on where a person is today and what they want to accomplish can lend insight into how you may assist.
- The offer of assistance is always appreciated and typically remembered.
- Instead of telling a person ‘you should do,’ inquire whether they ever thought about the idea to gain their insights first.
- Develop the conversation around a new idea to come to bridge the gap and, at the very least, gain respect.
- On the receiving end, welcome new ideas and suggest you will give thought to the possibilities.
- Ask questions instead of telling as people receive them better.
- As time passes, reach out to inquire what’s new and whether further conversations will interest you.
- Celebrate Success!
Today’s insights are provided to help you achieve the Smooth Sale!
RESOURCES FOR PERSONAL AND BUSINESS GROWTH:
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Inclusion Allies Coalition “Everyone is welcome here.” Learn more to train teams, and join the advocacy program.
Internet Advisor Find the internet service right for you among 2083 internet providers across 36,380 cities, plus Cellphonedeal compiles great deals on phones, plans, and prepaids to furnish you with the best options in your area.
Kred Connect with top-rated influencers to learn from and grow your networks.
LinktoEXPERT “It is not who you know – it is who knows you and what your expertise can do for them plus understands the value of hiring you.”
Lotus Solution LLC Helps organizations create diversity and inclusion to ensure a fair and just work through customized consulting, training, and keynote speeches.
SalesPop! Purveyors of Prosperity; how to compete against yourself to excel in your career.
Simma Lieberman “The Inclusionist” helps develop inclusive leaders from the inside out to champion diversity and build equitable, inclusive cultures at every level.
Vunela Provides a unique opportunity to view Videos and read articles by World Leaders.
WebTalk is the one-stop platform To build your marketplace and grow social connections.
Women’s Information Network (WIN) An education-and-event-based Global Community of Women Helping Women Worldwide Live Their Best Lives through Celebration, Self-Improvement, and Service.
