Tips For Building Partner Relationships - It's All About Relationships

      You’ll hear me say over and over again that when I started my business I wasted money on things I didn’t need and in some cases my business wasn’t ready. I didn’t have a coach or guide initially so anything that came my way and seemed interesting or profitable I probably tried it. I guess it's the shopaholic in me.  I recall joining a chamber chapter; now, there are many who’ve join chamber chapters and their businesses flourishes as a result.  For me I didn’t have that experience, I joined a local chapter and didn’t do anything the cost for not doing anything was $350.  When I sit back and think about it I could have used that money for something else but instead I joined and only attended one maybe two chamber meetings.  That was partially my fault, I joined because I thought that If I was a part of the organization that business would automatically come knocking to my door.  What I didn’t realize is that even though I joined and paid my $350 that I still had to cultivate and manage relationships. It’s all about relationships, people do business with you because they love your story, they love your why, as well as; they’ve built a relationship with you. 

Building relationships can be tough especially when you’re the new girl on the block, some of my tips for building relationships that shouldn’t cost you $350 are:

• Meet and greets – It’s important to know who’s in your industry make it a point to connect with them, call them up and say… “I’d like to meet you and learn more about your business”

• Make it a point to follow up after your meeting – Send them a personalized card.

• Make it your business to attend industry events and follow up with all those you meet after.  

     Again, it’s all about building relationships as the new guy/girl on the block you have to remember that it’s going to take time and you have to be persistent. Moreover, be sure to evaluate and think about it before joining any type of organization that has member fees, sometimes your business isn’t the right fit, make sure you do your research. Finally, don’t expect the phone to ring off the hook, your new to this so, keep plugging, keep going and as a result you’ll see your business grow.