Forging those perfect relationships in a business sense is pretty tough. However, it’s also incredibly important. If you can’t forge meaningful relationships you might end up losing out on key deals and missing those all important opportunities. Each person goes about building these relationships in different ways. You’ll also need to tailor your approach to each person you’re trying to build a relationship with. Experience helps but when you’re just starting out it can be pretty hard. Especially if each deal you’re trying to make is the difference between your business venture succeeding or not. Here are some top tips to help you get the most out of your business relationships. Of course, you can use the tips for other relationships you wish to cultivate too.

Ensure Meetings Are Memorable

Easier said than done, but ensuring meetings are memorable leaves a lasting impression on those attending. Golf is a brilliant way to do this. Even if they don’t play it’s something fun to do. It gives you something to talk about that isn’t work, while you can occasionally drop in and out of work based conversation. It can be expensive, but you can focus on some of the best clone golf clubs instead of the on brand ones if you want to keep costs down. You can also find clubs which allow pay and play instead of being a member. The fields are usually quiet allowing for good talks to take place and are far away from anyone listening in. Far more memorable than simply having a phone call. You can do all sorts to make the meeting memorable depending on what it is you want to discuss. Think outside the box and you’ll reap the reward later on.

Focus On Suppliers

If you operate a product based business instead of a service, then you’ll know your suppliers are incredibly important to your business. This means the relationship needs to be cultivated and looked after. This is especially the case if you’ve found a good supplier at a nice price who ships quickly. If you’re in ecommerce and the drop shipping game then you’ll know how hard it is to reliable drop shipping suppliers in this day and age, even more so if you’re looking outside the aliexpress and alibaba network. You need to ensure you pay them on time, buy in bulk, don’t ask for unreasonable discounts and be open and honest with them always. Focusing on your supplier ensures that they’ll do the same for you and try to ensure you don’t go without a product. A good relationship with a supplier is paramount. 

Consider Where They’re From

People from different areas and countries do business in different ways. Doing a little bit of research here can’t help. It doesn’t matter if you’re meeting them in person, via conference call or just on the phone. Think about Japan, for example. They have stringent rules when it comes to business and showing you’ve taken the time to learn them can go a long way. It all depends on how much importance you’re placing on the business. When you get to know their heritage, you can also send gifts that are appropriate. From a cigar humidor to a Scotch whiskey, think about how you can connect with them. It could make the bond stronger.

Always Put Your Best Self Forward

You’re essentially representing your business, so you need to appear as professional as possible. Rid yourself of the things which can ruin you putting forward your best self. It means seeing a doctor for the incessant headaches and ensuring that you use a massaging gun to get rid of those pains and niggles from the gym so you can concentrate on the meeting. Speak to your family and friends and tell them not to call unless it’s an emergency. It’s about stacking the odds in your favor by putting your best self forward. Do your research, know your client and f

Respect Your Platform

If you sell on one of the main platforms like Amazon or eBay, then you’re going to have to follow their rules. If you don’t, they’ll ban you. So you have to ensure that you follow them to the best of your ability. Building a relationship with the platform is important. If you’re a huge seller you might be able to cultivate a relationship with a person, otherwise it’s just about keeping in line and ensuring you do what they want. It’s one of the downsides of selling off an established platform. Etsy is the same, as well as any number of other third party sellers. If it’s your only sales outlet then this becomes even more important because it means you can’t mess up as you’ll kill your income completely. Follow the guidelines as best as you can and never stray offside.