Are you building relationships?
Whether in your private life, work sector and interviewing, or entrepreneurship, you must always strive to enhance relationships with everyone you encounter. Techniques available to us keep changing and it’s important we remain committed to educating ourselves and adapting to the times.
In the “old” days, real estate agents were the first to put their headshot on their business cards. Many thought this to be “obnoxious” or “egotistical”. Eventually the rest of the world caught up. We recognized having our photo on our business cards makes it easier for our prospects to remember us and recall the conversation we had.
Similarly, I was chided for being an early adapter of social media. I was told I’d run my business in the ground if I changed direction from the old to these time consuming sites. Now the very people who forewarned me are scrambling to catch up. It’s almost old news.
More recently, I was introduced to Video Technology which takes building relationships to an entirely new level. TalkFusion offers 8 products to include video for email, blogs, articles and social media in addition to video conferencing and webinars. Last night I witnessed the video broadcasting and felt as if I were right in the person’s living room. It’s the personal touch that makes the difference when you are selling yourself on interviews, meeting with corporations to make a sale, or communicating on the various online sites.
Taking the lead on new technology and programs markets you as the expert. As I finished my inspirational talk at the International Women’s Day Conference, many came over to me afterward to say they admired how far I have come in the time they have known me, the lead I have taken, and then asked for my assistance.
One more tip for building relationships – make it easy for the other person to say yes or at least pick up the phone and call you. I’m in the process of responding to all the business cards I collected at a recent event and many are missing the name of the person, a phone number and even an email. When this occurs, it becomes very difficult to do business. Be certain you have everything you need to easily conduct business.
Summarizing, when you work to build relationships, make it easy for others to say ‘yes’ and adapt to new technology early – your business development is a breeze making for a very Smooth Sale!
