Success in life and business comes from the relationships that you build. I often hear people saying that they don’t have enough time to connect further too busy. Building relationships take some forethought and some planning. Before you know it time will have passed and you being be wondering where your clients and friends are.
As you develop relationships you will learn that life and business are not separate entities. Business relationships are like friendships. They need your time and attention to learn about other people and what interests them. People need to learn and trust the people they do business with you.
There are several smart strategies that you could be doing to build relationships and win clients for life. Build relationships with people in a way that they become your champion.
Be a Giver. Take time to introduce 2 people to someone in your network who you feel need to connect. You will start helping people build their own networks and opportunities. Take time to network in new places and get to know new people. You build a richer supply of connections to share and give. You’ll become known as a connector and they will want to connect you with others as well.
Create valuable content. Let your voice come through articles, blog posts, and social media posts. Create content that is worth is worth sharing and people find value. Value can come in the form of education, inspiration, and entertainment. Answer questions and offer solutions to people’s pain points.
Keep in touch regularly with your clients and prospects. Let people know that you’re thinking of them with a handwritten birthday card, an article of interest, or a trend that you noticed in their industry. Invite them to social functions, workshops, business mixers, and lunches. Get to know people for who they are and not just what they can do for you.

“Something that solves their problems would be best, even if you don’t own the content.”
from ‘The Secret Collaborative Economy: More Clients, More Exposure, More Profit, FASTER!”
― Marsha Wright, TV Business Expert & Entrepreneur

Exceed client expectations. Do not overpromise on what you’re willing to deliver. Remember the delivery of service alone does not create the wow factor. Keep in mind it’s not a bad thing to meet their expectations. If you want people to start talking about you in a positive way, you need to be able to exceed their expectations.
Be a curious listener. One of my favorite things to do at networking events is to ask questions and watch people. Curious listeners are people who take a genuine interest in others by focusing on asking questions to learn more about who they are, what motivates them, and what they do for fun. These listeners make others around them feel like they are the most important person in the world. It is not based on flattering or as some people would say “sucking up”. It is about taking a genuine interest in another person and appreciating what they have to offer.

The single greatest “people skill” is a highly developed & authentic interest in the *other* person. – Bob Burg

Remember networking doesn’t have to be all about business. You might be surprised that where some networking takes place. It could be in the bathroom, at the gym, your child’s soccer game, the grocery line, a cocktail party, or even on the golf course. Where ever there is a gathering of people, there’s an opportunity to network and build relationships. You need to get from behind your computer and be visible in the community so people can get to know you and see you. You never know where one connection with lead.
Start connecting! Continue to build and nurture your relationships over time and watch what happens! Win the hearts of your clients for life!
Who will you connect today? What content are you going to produce and share? Who will you send a card or invite to? Who will you WOW today?
DEBRA KASOWSKI, BScN CEC is an award-winning best-selling author, transformational speaker, blogger, and Certified Executive Coach. She has a heart of a teacher and is certified in Appreciative Inquiry and Emotional Intelligence. Her writing has been published in a variety of print and online magazines. Debra Kasowski International helps executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations boost their productivity, performance, and profits. It all starts with people and passion. Sign up the Success Secrets Newsletter and get your free mp3 download today! www.debrakasowski.com