Relationships can be a funny thing.

| April 2008 Posted in Relationships |

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Its interesting that most people will categorize their relationships, like relationships are different because they are established in a different way or place.
For example, I am willing to bet that when you develop a business/working relationship you treat it different then a personal friendship.

Now the exception to the rule is the relationship you have with your significant other it should vary from say, that of the babysitter or anyone else for that matter. And by vary I mean the intimate personal love and stuff that two people share with each other. (not that I personally know much about that) But essentially the way that you develop and establish those relationships is the same! You do it by being generally interested in the other person. Is there an alternative motive for the reason you treat your best friend the way that you do? The only reason I could think of for treating my best friend the way I do is so that he will treat me that same way.

Now with a business relationship we tend to put the cart before the horse with our alternative motives. Being interested in someone because of what they can do for us or what our services can do for them which will lead to the lining of ones pockets.

Think about your customers and clients and consider what things could change if you treated those relationships just like the one you have with your best friend.

Would that customer say with you long term? Would they call you with more then just problems or issues to deal with? Would they invite you to their kid’s birthday party? Would you send them gifts on their anniversaries and birthdays? Would you do all this without an alternative motive like, more sales or increased business?

YES! The answer to all of those questions is YES!

So way aren’t you developing “friendships” with your customers and clients? You do know how I am sure…to develop friends I mean, you do know how, right?

I am extremely passionate about relationships; I have yet to personally develop all types of relationships, speaking particularly about that of a spouse. But I have observed a lot of those types of relationships and I think that I have it all figured out! Ok, so if anyone says they have completely figured out the opposite sex they are lying to your face, really who can say they have women figured out?! I don’t think women even have women figured out!

This is one of the reasons that I love blogging! It is all about developing relationships and communicating. Problems start to arise for businesses when they stop communicating to their customers or fail to communicate the whole story. Friendships are about B.R.T (building relationships of trust) and you need your customers to trust you.

So why don’t you lay it out there for them to easily read by posting it on your blog? You want to raise the price of your products or services, tell your customers why. Break it down for them, be HONEST. You are so use to Corporate America teaching us to be secretive and not letting competitors know about our business strategies or techniques that you hide the important facts from the very people that keep you in business! YOUR CUSTOMERS.

The other 100+ businesses out there that do what you do are probably not taking advantage of this amazing tool that can help you and your company develop the friendships that you should have with your customers.

The idealistic advantages of creating friendships with you customers is simple, more business, increased revenue, less customer service issues, more customer satisfaction, and happier employees!

The simplest and most cost effective way to start developing these friendships with your customers is through a business blog!

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Christopher Eggleston
www.bloggingforbusiness101.com
www.developingcorerelationships.com