Success may mean different things to each person, but there’s one fact that applies to every situation and definition: real success is only possible by building great relationships and meaningful connections. Beyond key performance indicators, strong business relationships with stakeholders and customers keep businesses afloat and on top of their competitors.
It takes kindness and respect for other people to build good online business relationships, and it lies in the ordinary actions done every day. People who build extraordinary business relationships are often found.
Treating Others as Equals
When a person is speaking from a high position, it can be tempting for them to be proud or put emphasis on their position. There is no doubt that achieving great things is truly something to be proud of, but nobody would want to be around someone who makes them feel stepped on or small.
Being humble and treating others as equals are important in creating strong relationships. It fosters a warm, welcoming atmosphere that will attract more people and, possibly, more connections to build.
People who build extraordinary relationships take time to listen to what anyone has to say and make them feel heard and appreciated regardless of the other person’s perceived “status.”
Helping Voluntarily
Helping out is easy when it’s being asked, but not a lot of people offer help even before they’re asked.
People who are able to build great relationships are attentive when someone is struggling. Instead of asking the typical “How can I help you?” offer, they know when to jump into action and what they can specifically do to help; that way, they don’t get turned away by “No, I’m okay.”
People who help voluntarily don’t necessarily do it just to build extraordinary relationships. It also shows that they care for the people around them, regardless of who the other person is or what their status is.
Knowing Their Right Place
Those who are able to build strong relationships know when it’s the right time to have fun or be serious, to step up or lie low, and to take the lead or be a follower—especially when suddenly faced with a serious issue.
Great relationships are dynamic, and there are a lot of situations that can possibly happen and will test these relationships. You may need to adapt to different situations and accommodate the people involved in these situations to maintain those relationships. It’s important to be sensitive to the context of the situation, as well as the emotions of other people involved.
Taking Accountability
Customer complaints are inevitable when running a business. No matter what the issue is and who’s really responsible for it, there are people who step up and own up to mistakes because they know they can take it or they know they can handle it better than others can.
These people can take criticism gracefully and keep calm even when they’re showered with abuse and complaints. They don’t act out on their emotions, and they show empathy and understanding toward the complaining customer.
Accepting Mistakes
Taking responsibility for mistakes is a building block of a strong relationship. People who acknowledge their mistakes and apologize for them rather than being defensive and blaming someone else are the kind of people everyone will be glad to work with.
It’s always a pleasure to work and be associated with people who turn mistakes into lessons learned. They don’t turn small problems into big issues, and they don’t point fingers at others to maintain a clean image. Rather, they learn from what happened and aim to do better.
Thinking of Others
Thinking of other people is one thing, but showing it and doing something about that thought are different things.
Strong relationships start by connecting with others, and it can be done by doing something nice for someone else. Be nice not because it’s expected, but because it can simply be done. A small gesture can dramatically improve any relationship or start a connection.
Giving More Than Is Asked
Mutually beneficial relationships are great relationships. In the business world, this means connecting with mentors who can share knowledge and wisdom and possibly open doors to more opportunities and other connections.
Someone who can build strong relationships gives more than what is expected without thinking about what they want. These people focus on what they can offer to the other person rather than themselves or what they will gain from the relationship.
Thriving e-commerce businesses do not just offer their products; they also give valuable knowledge that the customers and target audience can apply in their lives. Doing this positions the company as a leader in the industry because it shows that it is credible.
Being credible makes the customers trust the company and keeps them going back for more valuable information.
Staying Connected
Maintaining relationships is as important as building connections. Every relationship is valuable, no matter how small it is and who the other person is. This is especially important in influencer marketing.
In influencer marketing, influencers are constantly in contact and meeting new people. Good relationships in influencer marketing motivate the influencer to continue doing business.
To keep the relationship and connection going, it’s important to devote time to the other person in the relationship. It doesn’t have to take hours or be grand. It can be as simple as giving an unexpected compliment, asking the other person how they’re doing, or engaging in a quick conversation about the latest news.
The rise of e-commerce has led to lesser personal contact with stakeholders and customers, but that should not stop businesses from staying connected and maintaining good business relationships online with the customers.
Staying connected online can be possible by giving the audience a chance to relate or converse with the business. If using artificial intelligence for prompts, it’s crucial to use language that treats the audience warmly and openly so that it feels more personal.
No man is an island, as they say, and to thrive and survive in the business world, it takes relating and connecting to the people around. Every person has their unique experience, and these people around may have valuable advice to share, or they may even offer help in times of need.