Why "follow up" is a must to build business relationships

Never underestimate the conversations and effort you put into building relationships because times change and opportunities to reconnect can be just around the corner.

Opportunity to really connect

Actively investing in real conversations, offers up the opportunity to really connect. Deeper and more meaningful conversations significantly improve your relationships and provide more insight and understanding of others . Exploring how you may be able to help them to achieve and it can open future possibilities for you both. That is why you must “follow up” and recognise that sometimes the outcome or benefit may not be clear at first, but by truly investing, listening and building on your knowledge, you are creating foundations that in the future you may wish to draw upon.

Let me share a story here.

Uncover breadth and depth of experience

I meet a lot of people, connect with them online and also follow their business journeys on social media. Some years ago, I met Fiona. She attended YTM a few times before she invited me to catch up for a coffee as she was interested in how I had transitioned my skills. She too had a diverse career and was planning her next steps. Coffee and uninterrupted conversation uncovered the depth and breadth of her experience.

Fiona explained she had worked in creative roles from an early age and the influence her family had on her direction. Her design skills had developed through various avenues, and she had worked for a large retailer in a role that provided opportunities to visit international trade fairs. As I listened to her experiences of visiting trade shows in Florence, I was able to imagine the colours and textures of beautiful yarns from all over Europe. I could sense the excitement of being at an event few Australians ever attend. Having visited Florence myself, I related to her story and my interest in craft and creative pursuits was piqued.

This softly spoken woman had a wealth of experience and extensive knowledge in her chosen field from which she could draw.

Of course, I asked lots of questions. What did she enjoy about her work? What made her want to start her own business? What was she hoping to achieve?

She wanted to use her skills in the design and manufacturing field to guide others through the complications of clothing manufacture and production.

Her passion was evident as she told me her plans and described her perfect client. I particularly noticed the enthusiasm in her voice. Her eyes sparkled and I could sense her excitement in doing something she really loved.

Further opportunities to flourish

Our coffee chat supported my belief that face-to-face conversations are the best and fastest way to discover and share insights and knowledge. If I had not met up with Fiona, we both would have missed an opportunity. Hopefully I reassured her that it is possible to change direction and transition your skills by talking through my experiences. I know I benefited from her knowledge, energy and enthusiasm. Now our relationship has further opportunity to flourish; by knowing what she wants to achieve, I can offer support and watch out for useful connections.

If you would like to learn how to ask better questions and to turn those conversations into future business, connect with me, Kerryn Powell. I have a resourceful approach to life and have always been keen to help solve a problem. I am regularly the conduit to knowledge and connection.

I’m fascinated by people and their stories and I bring these passions together to create network synergy for business professionals, groups and teams, knowing that synergy occurs when we participate in conversations and connect on a deeper level.

Let me help you discover the value of building the right relationships; ones that deliver mutual support, knowledge, opportunities, learning and growth. Even if it means stepping out of a comfort zone, I know there is nothing to lose and so much to gain.