Be Relationship focused – Not money focused

A strong focus on building healthy relationships goes a long way in establishing your brand.

Focus on developing friendships first, and work on business deals later. One should never seek out relationships with people just for doing business. This is a mistake many people make. They reach out to someone and instantly think about how that person can benefit them professionally or in their business.
One should never discontinue someone as a friend or business contact even if you don’t see any potential to do business in the near future.

Why?

• You never know who they know, and how powerful their network could be for you
• Helping others always trumps asking for help first.  The law of reciprocity is always on your side

Build Friendships First and Business Later

Alright.  So what are the keys to building friendships first and not focusing on how that person can help you make money?

Here are a few things you should always focus on when you introduce yourself to someone new.

1.  Ask Questions

There’s nothing more people love than to talk about themselves and their success.  Ask about what their passions are, what they like to do for fun, and about their life outside of business. Asking questions shows you are interested in them and that you are not a selfish prick.

2.  Be Genuine

Be interested in what they have to say, don’t just nod and act interested as people see right through that.   Make sure you are genuine.

3.  Make Connections on the Spot

When you learn about what type of business someone is in, you should instantly think about people who would be perfect connections for them.  Call that person right on the spot and make a quick intro on the phone, then follow up with an email intro that day with others they should connect with.

4.  Use Eye Contact

Eye contact can make or break a relationship.  When listening to others, always focus on their eyes (with a pleasant smile of course) as this will encourage them to be more open and welcoming to you.

5.  Continue the Follow Up

You are not a real friend with someone unless you stay connected.  Otherwise, you are just an acquaintance of someone you met one time.  Make sure to follow up with them by connecting in person, via the phone, email, and through social networks.  The more you continue to interact with that new friend, the stronger the friendship becomes and more potential opportunities will come in the future from it.

Finally

Business relationships are great, but they are even better when you have created a friendship first.
If you are looking to gain more influence or build your business then these are just a few principles you should follow when meeting new people.

Are you relationship focussed or money focussed?

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