5 Tips To Start Building A Strong New Business Relationship

To be an effective networker, the best thing to focus on is building relationships. When your only aim is to create trust and rapport, other benefits (such as new business referrals) will naturally follow.

A great place to start fostering a good relationship is to listen more than you talk. This doesn’t mean just staying quiet more than not, but really listening, being actively engaged in the conversation. 

Keep these 5 tips in mind at your next networking event to start on the path to a strong new relationship.

Make eye contact

The easiest way to show someone you’re engaged is to keep eye contact with them as they speak, in a natural and relaxed way. This means no intense, unblinking stares!

Pay attention

This seems obvious, but we can sometimes wander off in our own heads, or become distracted by what’s happening in the room. Do your best to tune all that ‘noise’ out and stay focused on the person you’re in conversation with. 

Aim to understand

It’s very common in a conversation to inadvertently rush the other person along so you can add your two cents. If you’re just waiting for an opportunity to jump in, though, you’re not being a good listener because you’re distracted by your own stories. Instead, try listening simply to understand, nothing more. 

Reflect your understanding

While you don’t want to interrupt, be open to opportunities to reflect your understanding back to the person speaking. For example, when the speaker pauses, you can say “The sounds like a challenging situation,” or “You must have felt very excited!” Resist the urge to follow on with “It reminds me of the time I…” - remember point 3! A simple, “yes” or “mm-hmm” can also be very effective. 

Keep an eye on non-verbal cues

While we can use our words to present a particular impression, it’s often hard to make our bodies lie for us, so pay attention to the other person’s body language. How they sit or stand will offer clues to how they are feeling - relaxed, open, nervous, uncomfortable. This article covers the basics and explores some specific scenarios as well.

If you employ these techniques effectively, they will demonstrate to the other person that you are genuinely interested in learning about them and their situation. Allowing them to feel heard and understood will help them to know, like, and trust you - and hopefully keep you in mind when that next referral opportunity comes up!

Kerryn Powell, is “The Network Catalyst“ and founder of Your Time Matters , a connection strategist, conversation starter who thrives on building communities and creating the right connections for those seeking strategic allies to make a positive impact through connection, contribution and community.

Tapping into her diverse career portfolio, Kerryn draws on her experience, skills and knowledge to encourage, support and empower business owners, professionals, teams and individuals to create true connection through authentic conversations that build real relationships, boost confidence and generate business and opportunities.

For the past 7 years, Kerryn has provided opportunity for more than 3000 business owners to engage in face to face events through her business, Your Time Matters. BOOK a call TODAY, and can work with you 1:1 or provide you with an online course to help you, start or improve your networking. Why not start a conversation with Kerryn today HERE or follow her on LinkedIn HERE