Many business owners make the common mistake of taking their business connections for granted. You can wrongly assume your contacts will be loyal to you and your company just because you’ve built a mutually beneficial relationship.

Many business leaders do value such relationships. Still, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work hard to nurture them. You may enjoy long-lasting connections that serve you well by taking these actions:

Celebrate achievements and special occasions

You’ll likely celebrate many milestones with other businesses, like anniversaries of doing business with each other, signing significant contracts, and holidays. Don’t underestimate the value of celebrating these achievements and occasions with gifts.

You can explore marketing merchandise for small businesses that you can hand deliver. Even bottles of wine, custom baked goods, and tickets for sports games can all be well-received.

Small gifts may not cost your business a lot of money. Still, they can go a long way toward showing business associates that you value your working relationship.

Be authentic

Whether you’re trying to get a business deal over the line or secure a sale with a customer or client, don’t let your need to make money overshadow authenticity and honesty. Even if honesty means you won’t make as much money in a deal or sale, it can contribute to a relationship where your clients choose to do business with you because of your values. As a result, there’s potential for you to make more money long term.

Being authentic in business also doesn’t have to be as challenging as you think. It can simply involve learning about a customer to ensure the products and services you’re selling them are right for their unique needs.

Respect boundaries

Maintaining valuable business relationships can be a balancing act. You want to check in with them to make sure you can take care of their needs, but you also don’t want to check in too often and become an annoyance. As a result, respecting boundaries can be crucial.

For example, don’t call your customer if they prefer text or email. Don’t turn up unannounced if you know they only allow visits by appointment. Respecting these boundaries may go a long way toward maintaining a good relationship that lasts the distance.

Get involved in their business events

Many businesses hold networking events, conferences, and other engagements to attract new customers and spread brand awareness. Show your support by attending these events when they relate to your business.

Not only can your business connection view your business favourably by attending, but you may also build connections with others who share your goals, interests, and passions.

If you can’t attend their events, share them on your social media platforms to encourage others to. This simple act is bound to be appreciated.

Learn different communication styles and types

Your standard modes of communication won’t work for everyone you do business with. For example, some companies prefer traditional in-person meetings and phone calls. Others would much rather communicate via text messages, email, and Zoom calls. Don’t assume your standard communication type is the preferred for any business connections.

The same goes for the type of communication you have with another business. Friendly, casual conversations work for some business representatives. In contrast, some prefer more formal, serious meetings. Research who you’ll be doing business with to understand what everyday communication will look like.

Having long-lasting business connections is not guaranteed. Nurture your business relationships by being authentic and supportive and respecting their boundaries. You may then develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships that stand the test of time. 

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