It’s no secret that most successful people in business are able to grow their careers quicker because they are able to work with other people. A good example can come in the form of how Apple was founded by both Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, who each had completely different skill sets yet were able to make a collective effort in order to arrive at a mutually-beneficial business relationship.
From this, you can already infer that while individual success can be achieved, if you want to build an empire, you need other people to help you do it. Even if you are at the head of your startup, you will have to work with the people you hire around you in order to attain the success you want. So, what are the essential things you need to keep in mind in order to build and nurture business relationships?
Setting Impractical Expectations Aside
Much like in any relationship, business relationships function best when both parties are on the same page in terms of their expectations. Setting expectations too high is the quickest way to disappointment for everyone involved, and that’s when resentment and the blame game can start tearing your progress apart.
On the other hand, expectations cannot be completely discarded because they are also very important. It helps to set a series of realistic goals that you can actually attain as a group. They can help reinforce the obligations that each party has to the other, and also act as a framework of guarantees to which both parties are beholden to.
Identify Common Goals and Values
We are more than likely to like a person when we share commonalities with them, especially when we have a common goal. The best way to do this is to read about the person you’re transacting with, if you can, which is where the internet and social media can be a major help. A good example of businesses working toward a common goal comes in the form of Standard Process, which is a collection of brands that seek to provide all sorts of nutritional supplements to clients.
However, it’s also important to fake it by pretending to share something in common when there really isn’t anything there. Seasoned business owners are adept at gauging people’s authenticity. You don’t necessarily have to find a common ground on every little thing with a business partner. All you really need is one or a few strong common goals and values that you both share and the rest will follow if you’re able to nurture the relationship.
Share The Fun
We all crave rest and the ability to cut loose to have some fun from time to time. One great way to bond with someone to forge a stronger relationship with someone is to share fun activities with them. Consider inviting your business partner out for a fun day doing something you both enjoy — it can be golfing, fishing, going to a game of your favourite sport, and so on. This allows both parties to see the humanity in each other and this deepens companionship. As good as this may be, it’s important to compartmentalize properly. There’s a time for work and there a time for play. Do not allow them to overlap.
Deal Face-To-Face
Good faith, decisiveness, and respect. These are the things that are implied when you meet your business partner in person. It shows your forthrightness as well as your sincerity. Whether you’re trying to resolve a conflict with your business partner, or you’re making a mutual agreement, taking the time to meet your business partner in person is not just a gesture of good faith, it is a show of etiquette and respect. It is both owed and deserved at the same time.