3 Critical Tips For Building Quality Business Relationships
Published on 20 Jan 2008 at 4:34 pm.
2 Comments.
Filed under Business Development, Feature Articles, Savvy Marketing Tips.
It’s Sunday and I was going through the comments awaiting moderation as well as cleaning out the comments caught by my spam filter (thank GOD for that filter!).
One comment waiting for me was addressed -Dear Internet Marketer…..
The writer proceeded to say she has been getting my newsletter for several months and complimented my content as being high quality and professional. It was quite a lengthy post that I assume was cut and pasted into my comment box.
She proposed a possible joint venture and said her site was well received, (about 100 visits per day) and the focus was on nutritional products and health. I was invited to preview a video that could offer me an opportunity to generate some income. You see where this is going right?
She also wrote that if I didn’t respond to her invitation, it meant my business and life was prosperous and not in need of any further income.
First of all, I support people in being successful in business and in their life. My hope is that they are in a business they believe in and enjoy doing. Anyone in business is selling something - a product, service, an idea…… so how you come across to others can make the difference in whether you make a connection that might lead to a business relationship or not.
It was obvious to me that this person was doing a mass post to who knows how many people. 100 visits per day is not what I call a well received site. She didn’t even have my name and she sure isn’t on my mailing list!
I was shaking my head as I hit the delete button.
Is that one of the ways you market?
There are tons of people online and offline looking for networking opportunities. Often people contact me to help them promote their products and what they are selling isn’t a fit for my business.
Want to be taken seriously?
Here are three tips:
1. If you want to invite someone to partner with you in a business alliance, joint venture or any other opportunity - do your homework. Find about who they are and their business before you contact them. And when you do, be sure to include their NAME! Be sure to mention something you read so that they know you have taken the time to learn about who they are.
2. Call them instead of emailing. Write them a personal note. You’d be surprised how many letters that have a handwritten address are actually read. Tons. Because it shows the receiver you cared enough to take the time to write something personal. It’s the small, personal touches that will make you stand out from the crowd.
3. Sample their products or service so that you have first hand experience with what they have to offer. I’m frequently contacted by people who want to be a guest on my radio show and they haven’t even heard the show!
Bottom line: Forming quality relationships takes time and energy. Do the research. Take the time to learn about the people you have a desire to meet. Engage in conversations rather than trying to impress folks by selling yourself. The first thing people buy is YOU before they buy any product or service you have to offer. Overselling can make a break the sale.
Have a great day! 
Lorraine
www.powerfull-living.biz
Gamy Rachel on 21 Jan 2008 at 12:29 am: 1
Hi Lorraine,
I agree with you. Finding out the name of the person and addressing him/her by name is the most basic courtesy and manners.
I have also received comments with the person addressing me as such,
” Hi Webmaster ” without taking the effort to see what is my name.
It is as good as addressing your neighbor ” Hi house owner” without knowing the name. I certainly won’t be too excited to get to know you further.
I always click on the “About” to find out about the person and the name, and addressing him/her by name.
Blessings
Gamy
lorraine on 21 Jan 2008 at 9:04 am: 2
Good for you Gamy,
It’s amazing to me how some of the most basic “good business practices” and courtesies have fallen through the cracks. To those who don’t do their homework, that’s another way to be remembered by others.
Cheers,
Lorraine