How to Build a Successful Business Relationship
For starters , chose your partners properly. It is not easy to develop partnerships with some individuals. Be it their fault, your fault, a personality clash, or whatever have you at times a partnership is JUST NOT POSSIBLE. Thus, pick your partners properly! I have a custom koozies company and let me tell you, these words of wisdom all hold true between myself and my current partner
A good partner is not someone who always agrees with you . A good partner is someone who
- Has a similar upbringing and communication approach
- Is a good listener
- You respect
- Contributes a different skill set than your own
- Works equally as hard as you
- Has had successful relationships (both personal and business in the past)
- Tells the truth
There are numerous other characteristics; but any associate you decide on should definitely have these bare minimum characteristics .
Build Your Relationship Before You Build Your Business
Many times I’ve witnessed new partners try to build a successful business without building a prosperous relationship THIS DOES NOT WORK .
It is important that you and your partner get to know each other before any work is done! Coffee once in a while does not count. You will need to spend at least 40 solid hours (this is only my recommendation often longer may be crucial) before you start building the hint of a business e.g. a business plan.
Ask hard questions learn about them this is a relationship that will involve money and hopefully lots of it. Get to know your partner first before you take the leap of exploring the business plan.
Dont Forget to Continue to Maintain Your Relationship after Your Company has been Built
A lot of young business people believe that once a successful business has been built, their job is done WRONG ! It is necessary to continue to sustain your professional and personal relationship with your partners.
Continue to build a relationship, even if you believe you have a good one improve it ; e.g. go grab a drink together once in a while , talk about things other than work , complement one another, take a company retreat, build a team trust me it will pay off in the long run!
Think Ahead Stop Problems Before They Start
This is easy BE A PROACTIVE BUSINESS, NOT A REACTIVE ONE.
Many times partners wait until they hate each other before calling attention to an issue. SPEAK UP! Make yourself heard all relationship failures can be traced to one thing LACK OF COMMUNICATION
If you practice these points, I assure you that you will find success in your business relationships.
Good Luck!