Building Professional Relationships

Use your strengths

Most people don’t enjoy the “business development” part of business.

They recognize the importance of doing it, and they like when things work out, but they just feel like they would rather be doing something else with their time.

However, it can be a fulfilling and pleasant activity, with the right mindset.

First off, be yourself. Be a good, clean version of yourself (e.g., don’t use profanity, if you normally cuss like a sailor), but don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Use your strengths—if you are friendly, or funny, or a good listener, or really know your stuff, bring out your strengths in the interaction.

Second, really listen to them. Ask questions. Find ways to get them to share their vision for where THEY want their company to go, and then show them how you and your company can help them achieve those goals.

Third, really believe in what you are selling. Think about what makes your product or service great. How does it make things better? What makes your team such a great team? You want them to pick you because you want to make money and stay in business. But why do they want to pick you? Show them what makes your firm the right choice for them.

(Photo by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash)