People enjoy doing business with people they know, like, and trust.  This may seem an elementary concept, but it is often lost in daily business.  Business Clubs America is bringing back into focus the importance of relationship-building, and reminding the business community that often the most innovative thing you can do for your company is go back to basics.

Successful business relationships do not develop overnight.  They require consistent nurturing over a period of time, typically at least one year.  Now is the perfect time to expand your business contacts and build new friendships.

Make sure your time is well spent by directing your efforts strategically.  Determine what companies could realistically help you, and vice versa.  A productive relationship is a two-way street.  From your list of contacts, evaluate what personality types you click with best.  It is easy to develop rapport when you discover a common interest.  It could be that you share a love for horses, or jamming a guitar on the weekend.  Keep track of details they may share with you.  If someone tells you they are preparing for a cruise, ask about the cruise the next time you see each other.

Be consistent when developing business relationships.  Ping your contacts at least once a month, whether it is a simple email, or an invitation to an event.  Handwritten notes are rare these days and will really stand out from the crowd.  Alternatively, a personalized email is much more likely to be read than a mass email.

Be the first to offer help to build another’s business.  Givers gain!  Learn how you can become an ambassador for your business relationship by knowing everything there is to know about their company and their ideal customer profile.  If you have other business relationships that fit this profile, offer to make an introduction.

As a relationship develops, it is important to continue to nurture it, and leverage it!  Whether or not you do business with each other, a great business relationship can also be your best fan.  Invite your contact to join you on important prospect appointments.  Your relationship provides you with a live testimonial, and you provide your relationship with an introduction to a company he/she might not have otherwise met.

A symbiotic business relationship is invaluable, with the power to exponentially create new business relationships through each other’s unique connection in the market.  Business growth through relationships should be a large part of every business plan.  There are many great companies run by extraordinary people in the Phoenix business community.

Participating in an organization that facilitates business-to-business alliances is a great way to streamline your relationship-building, by introducing you to an environment of like-minded people.  .

If you take the time to create and follow through on a structured plan for growing your business through relationships, it will be both profitable and personally rewarding.