As a business owner and senior manager, I know firsthand we are always looking for ways to grow our business, increase our sales, and improve our brand reputation. Like me, you may be investing in advertising, marketing campaigns, and your team is probably spending many hours on social media trying to connect with potential customers. While these efforts can be helpful, there is one key thing that often gets overlooked: building meaningful one-on-one relationships.

At the core of every successful business is a network of authentic relationships. Whether it's your customers, partners, vendors, or employees, the people you interact with on a regular basis play a crucial role in the success of your business. Here are a few reasons why building meaningful one-on-one relationships is the most important thing you can do to grow your business:

It Builds Trust

When you take the time to build a personal relationship with someone, you establish a level of trust that is difficult to replicate through other means. Trust is crucial in business, especially when it comes to building long-term relationships with your customers.

Can you build trust online for high ticket sales? I say only to the point of gaining someone’s attention and willingness to speak with you. If you want them to do business with you and actually spend their money, you will need that personal touch at some point, especially if you want a returning customer.

It Leads to More Opportunities

When you have an authentic network of contacts, you open yourself up to more opportunities. Whether it's a referral from a satisfied customer or a new partnership with a vendor, these opportunities can help you take your business to the next level. By building meaningful one-on-one relationships, you position yourself to be top-of-mind when these opportunities arise.

However, more opportunities will not come your way if all you’re looking to do is receive. You must learn to give first, and to lead conversations with the intention of helping others and being patient. Building authentic relationships takes time and more than one conversation.

It Creates a Feeling of Reciprocity

By providing value to individuals in your network, you create a culture of reciprocity where people are more likely to help you in return. This can include sharing industry insights, providing feedback, or making introductions to potential clients. When you give so much with good intentions others can’t help but feel they need to do something for you in return.

Be Ready to Ask When the Time is Right

A lot of people chose the wrong time to be shy or humble.  You should be ready to tell other’s how they can help you in your business when they want to. 

For example, you can let them know the type of customer you are looking for and the best method of getting in touch with you.

So, how do you go about building an authentic network? Here are 3 tips:

Meet 3 New People Per Week

Regardless of your position, to grow your authentic network, you should speak to a minimum of 3 new people a week. Meeting new people is not always easy in today’s online world, however what starts online can lead to meeting new people in person. 

Use Online Networks to Engage

For example, you can use platforms such as LinkedIn, Instagram, and Beepzz to engage in conversation, reach out to people who you think you can add value to and remember, every contact has value now or in the future.

Focus on Quality Over Quantity

Building an authentic network is not about collecting as many business cards as possible. It's about building meaningful relationships with people who can help you achieve your business goals. Think about a strategy before you implement.  Where are your ideal customers? What do they enjoy doing? Who do they hang out with? People in their network can connect you, so don’t always focus on your ideal target audience; they have a trusted circle of influence that you can tap into.

In conclusion, building meaningful one-on-one relationships is the most important thing you can do to grow your business. By establishing trust, creating opportunities, and cultivating a culture of reciprocity, you position yourself for long-term success. So, take the time to build an authentic network, and watch your business thrive.

Join our Beepzz community by registering today!