Business-to-Business Relationships. Why are they so important?

It may not be so easy to recognize but regardless if it’s noticed small business know how to create and maintain well-established business to business relationships. As a matter of fact some might say that it is a major reason some business thrive while other drift to the sidelines. Often time business owners have their blinders on and they forget that, yes building relationships clients is extremely important but let’s not forget about how important it is to build relationships, with dare I say it but competitors. There are a few easy steps in order make and keep business relationships;

• Give More Than You Receive: It is important to connect with people when you aren’t in need of anything. Take time to get to know a business and what they stand for, since it is just as important to them as your own business is to you. Don’t make it seem as if the only reason you are connecting with them is because you want or expect something out of them. Be genuine and you will hopefully get that in return.
  
• Be Proactive: Make the first move. Sometimes the only way things will get done and move forward is if you take the action to do so. Surprisingly, all it could take is a business reaching out and lending as the first point of contact.
• Make it Personal: In a time where everything is driven by technology it is important to remember that business where created before it and they can maintain (at least for a little bit) without it. Grab a card and a pen and write an ACTUAL letter! Shocker, I know but you would be surprised by how it will be received.
• Don’t Let too Much Time Go By: Make sure that you don’t lose contact with people. Letting too much time pass by makes you forgettable. Always stay fresh in people’s minds, but don’t bombard them. These days it’s so easy to keep in touch.

Follow these simple tips and either start or strengthen your business-to-business relationships!