We Are All In The Business Of Building Relationships

By Aileen Bennet

I often start my speeches by asking members of my audiences, “What business are you in?” I usually get a whole range of answers, even from within the same company, and they are very insightful. I really only ask the question to remind them of one thing — they are in the people business. We are all in the people business.

People do business with people they like. That’s it — not the lowest prices, the most established company or the one with the biggest budget or fanciest ad campaign. If we like and trust someone, they will get our business. We are all in the people business.

Building relationships has always been the foundation of any business, but it has become increasingly important as those relationships have become increasingly visible. The work life and home life line is blurred with social media like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn becoming new portals into our lives. People are talking about your company. Shouldn’t you be at least listening? Shouldn’t you really be part of the conversation?

There used to be a huge work/home divide. People actually used phrases like, “Never mix business with pleasure.” If you still find yourself thinking or saying this, you may want to find a new career.

I often tell people that I have the best job in the world, but I know it’s a lie. I get to travel around the country making people laugh and make them feel differently about the way they work. I love what I do, but it’s only the best job in the world for me. You may shudder at the idea of speaking to thousands of people. That’s good. You don’t have to be like me; you have to be like you.

The workplace is increasingly becoming a place for individuals to shine. We are no longer expected to be just a worker following procedures but a unique individual bringing ideas, passion and our own strengths. It’s a whole new way of working. It’s a whole new way of thinking.

I look at it this way. No matter who you work for, you work for yourself. Someone else may write your paycheck, but every action your take shows people who you are. As you change jobs or move companies, you take that reputation with you. You are building a brand. Our company loyalty is fickle; our people loyalty is intact. We do business with people we like.

Are you in a position that plays to your strengths and lets you be who you really are? I hope you are smiling and saying to yourself, “Of course I am; why is she even asking that?”

If you are not yet following your passion, ask yourself some questions: What comes easily to you? What would you do if you didn’t need the money? How would you like to be remembered?

Whenever I choose a company or an individual to work with — from my hairdresser to my biggest clients — I ask one question. Do you love what you do? It’s my measure of how good they are going to be.

Aileen Bennett is a professional speaker and author who is obsessed with communication. For more information, go to www.thatspeaker.com. She can be reached at aileen@thatspeaker.com.

Article Source:  Building Relationships

Tags: building relationships, business relationships, customers