COVID-19 has upended the world and many relationships since March. What hasn’t changed is the need for your business to grow. Depending on your industry, this year may have been a struggle, or you may be doing very well. Whether you need to turn the corner or continue to succeed, it is always a good time to create new business relationships and strengthen existing ones.
There’s a Lot More Than Talking, Shaking Hands, Exchanging Cards, and Drinking Coffee
We’ve all been to networking meetings, lunches, and presentations. They’re now on Zoom, so there are fewer human connections to make. Some groups require you to pay to belong and send referrals to others. Those approaches may work for some, and maybe they’ve worked for you, but they’re mostly a lot of time and effort with not much in return.
Business relationships are not created by handing out cards and going to lunch. They’re formed when two professionals have a deliberate intention to contribute to each other’s bottom line. It’s an approach that’s much more focused and effective.
Networking groups generally have the same idea, but the commitment isn’t there. When you meet someone at a networking group, you may try to figure out who the two of you know, who might connect with whom to help each other out. It is all very nice, but the difference is like playing in a softball bar league and the Major Leagues. It’s a whole different level.
Build a Business Relationship and a Board of Directors
Come with your hand up, not with your hand out. How can you help another individual build their business? How can you help them make money right now? These are the questions you should ask yourselves.
Build a board of directors (BOD) for your business, know what each member does, and join their BOD. Survey other connections and prospects on behalf of your BOD. Go through a mental checklist of members.
- What’s their service?
- What do they sell?
- What problems do they solve?
- Who are their target prospects?
If a realtor is on your BOD, or you’re on their BOD, ask someone you know, “Are you looking to buy or sell a house in the next year?” If so, not only may your realtor friend want the business, but your BOD member who does home repair or sells insurance might be interested as well.
Create connections that will help you and others. Be ready to introduce your client to that realtor. Schedule a call or get them on the phone right away while the issue is on the top of the person’s mind. Follow up with a phone call, text, or email. Follow-up is critical for your own sales and helping others.
Business love is not a thank you, a handshake, or a warm fuzzy feeling. It is a collaborative partnership that yields opportunities and money for everyone involved. It’s about doing good for others, helping them and yourself do well. It’s a rewarding result, not just financially, but emotionally too.
Friends are great and we all need friends. But they probably don’t help pay your mortgage. If they don’t contribute to your bottom line, they are only a friend.
Help Others Help You
If you want to learn more about how to leverage your relationships and grow your business, call me at (856)905-7040 or fill out my contact form, and attend one of my online seminars. Let’s start the conversation about how we can help ourselves and others.