A lack of communication is the cornerstone of many difficulties in any relationship. Without communication someone may feel left in the dark, neglected, at a loss, or worse left to their own interpretation of events. All of us have experienced bad relationships, miscommunications, and misinterpretations in relationships. We know this only leads you down a road of frustration, anger and hurt. In business the last thing you need is another broken or complicated relationship. While similar, business relationships are far less complicated than personal relationships. For a business relationship to succeed you need five basic elements. Regardless of your level social skill these basic elements are not difficult or intimidating.
Respect: Holding a person in a special regard or to have a positive feeling of esteem for a person is respect. We need to build our foundation on respect to have hope of a business relationship of succeeding. You should respect your business partner’s time or suggestions. You should also have respect for a client or associate’s time, suggestions, complaints, or concerns. If a business contact or partner does feel respected than the bridge is already burning. We all want to be respected and best way to accomplish that is by giving respect.
Consistency: Being consistent in a poor habit will garner you a reputation but certainly not the one you want. You need consistency in your level of work, attitude, and attention. Lacking consistency will land you in hot water with clients and put you on the “D” list with business associates.
Trust: Without trust there is no relationship. Your business associates, partner, and clients need to trust your ethics and the quality of work you will produce. Business is all about trust. We trust when we hire a contractor to put our roof on to code. We trust our hairdresser not to shave us bald when we aren’t looking. We trust our partner will not empty the account and move to Costa Rica. Surround yourself with people you trust and be a person others can trust to form positive and fulfilling relationships.
Courtesy: Surely you have heard you attract more bees with honey than vinegar. Courtesy is about politeness and manners. We all adhere to this vague idea of “common courtesy”. When one violates common courtesy you can hear the echo of it for years to come. For instance, if you are asked a question in an email you need to answer the question. When I send an email with a question I expect the response to contain the answer to that question. Logical, right? I cannot tell you how many email responses do not address the specific question I ask. I find it bad manners and frustrating. I open the email with an expectation of an answer and instead of even an “I don’t know” there is virtual silence. Please have the “common courtesy” to communicate effectively in business.
Follow these simple elements to maintain positive business contacts.