November 21, 2007, 9:45 AM — Even the smartest, most hardworking entrepreneurs depend on other people for their
success. Ty Freyvogel, founder of MakingSenseOfYourBusiness.com,
suggests you make 2008 the year you start showing them you know that.
"There is no such thing as a lone wolf entrepreneur," asserts Freyvogel. "Your success is intertwined with
a complex network of other people and organizations. All of those relationships
must be constantly tended and nurtured. Even though your interaction with your
customers is different from how you interact with employees or vendors or even
your bankers, your reason for forging strong relationships with them is the
same—building and maintaining a successful business in 2008 and many years
after."
Here are ten ways you can start strengthening your business relationships in
the upcoming year.
Learn as much as you can about everyone you work with. Then, act on that knowledge.
You need to know as much as possible about everyone from your customers to your
vendors to your employees so that when their needs change, you can be there
to provide them with what they need to stay happy with your business.
"Constantly ask them, 'What can I do for you?'" advises Freyvogel.
"Then, do it. They'll appreciate your efforts to help them be as successful
as possible. Always treat them with the utmost respect and do everything in
your power to make them happy. That may mean anything from giving a customer
who is going through a hard time a discount that is 'especially' for them to
giving an employee whose daughter is starting college an unexpected bonus. Acts
such as these are the building blocks of creating strong relationships. (Remember—don't
worry that you might be playing favorites; instead, make everyone feel like
they are your favorite.)"
Treat your vendors like honorary employees. It's important to nurture relationships
with those people who aren't necessarily working for you but who service you
or your company regularly. This can mean anyone from the package delivery guy
who stops by every day to the materials supplier who keeps your warehouse stocked
to the designer who keeps your website updated.
"Show them that you appreciate what they do for you and also that you care
about them and their companies," says Freyvogel. "Get their e-mail
addresses and cell phone numbers and stay in touch with them. You never know
when an emergency might arise in which you could use their help. Always acknowledge
when they have gone above and beyond the call of duty to make you happy. And
don't forget to send a quick note to their boss—recognition means everything.
It's also important that you make sure your vendors are getting as much value
out of their relationship with you as you are with them. When this happens they
are more likely to cut you a break when you need it, or let you know when something
important is going on in your industry."
Know everyone's birthday. You might be thinking, How much of a difference will
saying "Happy birthday" really make? Well, the answer is a big one.
People love to be acknowledged no matter the reason. And in a world where everyone
is so wrapped up in their own lives, getting a happy birthday wish from the
people you regularly come into contact with is becoming a rarity.
"Set up a Google calendar that includes the birthdays of everyone you come
into contact with on a business level and set up reminders that will let you
know when those days are close," suggests Freyvogel. "When someone's
name pops up, take the time to send a card, call with a birthday wish, or even
just send a quick email acknowledging her special day and thanking her for the
help she gives your business. You'll be surprised how powerful those two words
can be and how much they can benefit your business."
Encourage a sense of ownership among your employees. Whether it comes from having
a voice in major decisions, being able to work directly with clients, or actually
owning stock, a sense of ownership will go a long way toward creating strong
ties between your employees and your business. Inspiring your employees to love
your business as much as you do will strengthen your company's foundation—and
your business will be that much more likely to survive setbacks and grow to
great heights.
