Relationships are important in life. They make us feel safe and help us deal with stress. As a business owner, you should also build professional relationships. Relationship building from a business standpoint can help you get new customers, retain current customers and manage your reputation. The three most important relationships you should build are with your customers, employees and members of your community. Read on to learn how to build each type of relationship.
If a customer leaves a negative review, be sure to reply and make it right for the customer. It’s important that your employees feel safe talking to you about their thoughts and problems. Employees who feel engaged at work are less likely to look for a new job. Employee retention could also save you money: One-third of new hires quit a job after the first six months of work. It can lead to an 18 percent higher customer retention rate.
Local business owners should build relationships with people who aren’t (and might never become) their customers. You will have to invest time in building those relationships. Be willing to reciprocate. Remember that there is a give and a take in all relationships. If you aren’t willing to be there for someone who has been (or even who would be) there for you, that person will be less likely to help you out if you need it.