SMS Marketing Blog

How to Build Professional Relationships

13th May 2010 - Posted by Sarah Magill in category Misc

In these technologically dependent times, social media is becoming people’s main form of communication. Although it is so convenient in our on-the-go, fast paced world, it is critically important to be comfortable communicating in person and through social media. And in this recession, a personal touch makes you and your firm even more engaging.

When you hear, “networking”, you may think the best technique would be to hand out as many business cards as possible and shout out a monologue about how you can make their lives easier.

Even better, focus more on getting to know people in order to pave a way for a long term business relationship.

A Networking event is definitely professional and business-oriented, but the overall vibe should be relaxed. This is not a competition to see who can sell the most, it’s an opportunity to make friends. When you are not directly focused on making a sale, it puts everyone at ease. Learn as much as you can about others by asking plenty of questions and talking very little about yourself. This is always a good approach because it allows you to see who might make a good connection, and it relaxes them because everyone’s favourite subject is themselves.

Be genuinely interested in what they have to say.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a fantastic book with lots of great ideas. I would recommend this book to anyone who deals with people, a.k.a, everyone. It was published in 1932 and since his advice has endured the test of time, I would say, “Read it!”

So if you are more comfortable dealing with avatars instead of real humans, that is a bad sign. A strong handshake goes a long way; ask someone how they’re doing and learn some good jokes.