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| 10 Tricks to Build Strong Business Connections. |
Building business connections is essential for anyone looking to expand their professional network. Here are 10 simple yet powerful tips that can help you strengthen your business relationships.
1. Sign Your Emails Properly
Your email signature is like a digital business card. Don’t just sign off with “Best regards, John Doe.” Instead, make your signature informative. Include your full name, job title, and phone number. If possible, add your photo to the signature—people tend to remember faces better. Don’t forget to link your social media profiles too!
If you use an iPhone for work, leave the “Sent from my iPhone” signature active. Studies from Stanford show that this can actually boost your professional image. Oddly enough, this trick doesn’t work with Android.
2. Take Notes
Mike Scanlin, CEO of Born To Sell, recommends keeping detailed notes about everyone you meet. Whether in your phone or a notebook, note what they do, their hobbies, and their strengths.
When you need help in the future, you can search through your notes using keywords like "sailing," "wireless technology," or "French language." This will help you find the right person quickly. Also, marking birthdays or special events in a calendar can give you an opportunity to reconnect with a friendly greeting.
3. Keep Your Social Media Clean
When someone is interested in working with you, they’ll probably Google your name. Make sure your online presence is as polished as your real-life one.
Update your LinkedIn or any other professional profiles regularly. If you haven’t worked at a company for a few years, it’s time to update that info! And please, add a professional-looking profile picture—people tend to be suspicious of profiles without photos.
4. Follow the 48-Hour Rule
Elizabeth Gore, president of Hello Alice, suggests a simple 48-hour rule. After a business meeting, conference, or even a quick coffee chat, set a reminder to follow up within 48 hours.
A quick email thanking them for their time, or even discussing something from the meeting, can go a long way. If you wait too long, the person might feel like you weren’t that interested in staying in touch.
5. Do Your Homework
Before meeting someone, do a little research. Elizabeth Gore also recommends learning about the person and their company beforehand.
This way, you can approach the conversation knowing how you both can benefit. Connections formed by accident are great, but being prepared will give you an edge.
6. Listen More Than You Talk
Alyssa Cohn, a business consultant, believes being a good listener is the key to building strong relationships. When meeting new people, let them do most of the talking.
Surprisingly, listening can make you seem more competent and trustworthy than talking about your own achievements. People appreciate those who truly listen to their problems and concerns.
7. Quality Over Quantity
Brent Csutoras, CMO of PeakActivity, suggests focusing on making one meaningful connection rather than trying to meet as many people as possible. It’s better to build a strong relationship with someone you genuinely connect with.
Take the time to nurture that connection, perhaps with a business lunch or a deeper conversation. One strong connection is far more valuable than a handful of weak ones.
8. Learn to Remember Names
Forgetting someone’s name is awkward. So, make a point to remember it when you first meet. Repeating the person’s name back to them, like “Nice to meet you, Sarah,” can help you remember it.
Etiquette consultant Mindy Lockard says remembering names is a key to creating lasting connections. It’s much more personal and respectful than saying, “Hey, you.”
9. Don’t Just Talk About Work
Talking only about work can make people feel like you’re using them. Show genuine interest in the person, not just what they can do for you.
Amy Ludwigson, Director of Sales at Pure Citizen, encourages people to show their real personality. Let others see who you are—it builds trust and makes the conversation more enjoyable.
10. Be Honest
Honesty goes a long way in building strong business relationships. Amy Harcourt, Director of Definitive Marketing, recalls how she admitted to not having experience in a client’s industry, but they appreciated her honesty, which laid the foundation for a great relationship.
Don’t be afraid to acknowledge your weaknesses. People value transparency and are more likely to trust you in the long run.
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