There are several good reasons why you should aim to impress your business partners. For example, in many cases, a good impression is the difference between closing a deal and losing it. Impressions are also how you lay a foundation for strong, productive partnerships, build your reputation, and even get referrals. Admittedly, impressing business partners is easier said than done as there’s a fine line between coming across as confident and competent, and appearing arrogant or overbearing. Still, it can be done, and it’s important to try.
So here are some tips for impressing your business partners.
Personalize Your Approach
Most people can see through insincere generic attempts at impressing them. So, the first thing you want to do when trying to win over a new partner is to take the time to understand them personally, particularly their preferences, and priorities then use this information to tailor your approach.
For example, some people prefer emails, while others prefer phone calls or face-to-face meetings, so a good place to start is to find out what every business partner prefers and use that communication style moving forward.
Go the Extra Mile
Impressing business partners requires more than just meeting the expectations set out by a standard business relationship. In the business world, people who go the extra mile always make an impression.
Going the extra mile for your business partners doesn’t have to be elaborate or even cost you money. In fact, something as simple as always commemorating milestones with gifts (gourmet food baskets, vintage rattan furniture, huge banners) or constantly featuring them on your social media pages can go a long way.
Remember, the key to going the extra mile is to show that you care about them and are committed to their success.
Be Honest and Transparent
Honesty and transparency are always a sure way to impress. Not only does it demonstrate strength and confidence in your abilities, but also a commitment to building a long-term relationship based on mutual trust and respect.
So, try to:
- Share information about your business operations, finances, and any other relevant information that may impact your business partnerships
- Be upfront about limitations and constraints that may affect your ability to meet commitments or deliver results to manage expectations and avoid surprises down the road
- Admit mistakes and take responsibility to demonstrate your integrity and your commitment to finding solutions and improving your performance
- Keep your business partners in the loop of changes and major developments that may impact them so that everyone can be on the same page
Be Proactive
Being proactive is an effective way to be impressive because it demonstrates a strong work ethic, strategic thinking skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement, all of which are highly valued in the business world.
So to demonstrate your value to your business partners, always aim to anticipate their needs in order to offer creative solutions. This could be anything from introducing them to potential clients to sharing industry reports or research. Also, frequently ask for feedback and be open to constructive criticism.
Try out these tips to impress your business partners and build strong relationships that benefit everyone. Keep in mind that building a successful business partnership takes time and effort, but the results can be extremely rewarding.
2018 ·