How to keep your business relations alive

We’ve been bombarded with the statement that we are all interdependent. Such a fact brings us to an obvious conclusion- that relationships need to be maintained from time to time. However, we often get lost deciding how much time should be devoted to others, and how to deal with them. Sometimes, unexpected advice or even business opportunities can spring up from people you’re sparingly in touch with.

Keeping up with your equations with the people in your life is nothing less than a form of art. It takes effort to identify the complexities, and more so to understand them. Sheer neglect, for instance, can inevitably lead to disappearance. Jason Harris, in his popular and effective book ‘The Soulful Art of Persuasion’, mentions five strategies to foster your relationships.

Reminding yourself

Set a repeating notification about getting in touch with people you value and cherish. Contact hem at least once every quarter, and reach out to them more frequently.

Choose four people to connect with every week

A simple text message to let them know that you were thinking about them is good enough. Harris makes it a point to have one-on-ones with all the people employed. He admits that it’s a time-consuming practice, but is essential. It helps him get ideas for bettering the company, in addition to building authentic relationships. All of this helps an organisation function better.

Personalising recommendations

If you like an idea or a particular piece of work, let people know. And do so by personalising your message. Scroll through your contact list and share it with people who would appreciate recommendations. It also makes for a great way to get a conversation going.

Introduce people

Find ways to connect people who could be of help to each other. If someone in your network would benefit by knowing another person, introduce them and they can take it forward. “Your goal is to value relationships for their own sake,” he writes, “and that includes other people’s relationships.”

Take a “no” as “no for now”

According to Harris, people often make a big mistake of valuing transactions over relationships. When someone says no to an idea or request, assume that that’s the answer for now. It can change later and bloom into a positive opportunity some day later, if you’re persistent. In that case, keep in touch with people when you think there’s a potential.

Simple practices can bring major business opportunities. All you have to do is be patient and persistent.