You might wonder what intimacy has to do with business.
Just like any liaison, experts will tell you, intimacy is an important part of a successful, long-term relationship. In business, intimacy needs to be created and maintained with your customers, your staff, your suppliers and your alliances; to name the most important ones. This intimacy takes the relationship to a level that can be fulfilling to both parties, not just as a one-sided affair. People need to feel appreciated and to understand where they 'fit' - and that includes how they fit with your business.
Here are some ideas on how to create or maintain intimacy and keep the 'spark' going between you and your suppliers, staff – and all the rest:
1. When was the last time you took your best client out to dinner? What about your five best clients? Wouldn't it make sense to invest a percentage of your top clients' monthly spends with you into retaining them and generating referrals? This is often much cheaper than advertising for new ones.
2. Are you one of those employers who always finds ways to improve things? There's nothing wrong with that. What about telling people when they're doing a great job? Or thanking them for being punctual? Or for putting in that extra 10 minutes today? You may consider these the way a person 'should' behave but think about your children or your pets – you praise them when they do well don't you?
3. How about sending your supplier a thank-you card or note showing gratitude for their support, timely deliveries or whatever positive things you're noticing. Invite them to come and present to your staff or to meet for coffee and give you some feedback on your business and how you might improve. In many cases they're probably a bigger business than you and could pass on some valuable tips or learnings to help improve yours.
These are just a few ideas on how to get the spark back in your relationships with some of the most important people in your business. If you're already doing these that's great! Find some ways to change and keep your relationship fresh.
It's like the old saying goes – nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care. Show them you care, get 'intimate' with them and you might be pleasantly surprised about where you can take your relationship.
News supplied by ActionCOACH.