Going Beyond Top-Of-Mind Awareness
Building and Maintaining Relationships
We are all like farmers. Each day we are planting seeds towards a future harvest. The harvest that we reap is dependent upon the nurturing of the seeds that we plant. We must be consistent, patient and persistent. Everything in life comes in direct proportion to the effort put out.
Network, create, build and nurture personal relationships with as many people as possible. Establish common backgrounds, likes, hobbies, family, activities, etc. People like to buy from people – people they trust and people that remind them of themselves.
Here are some ideas on how to build and maintain relationships:
| Be proactive |
Communicate regularly |
| Be responsive |
Within 24 hours |
| Be appreciative |
Send thank you notes / gifts |
| Pay recognition |
Send congratulations |
| Be informative |
Share articles of interest |
| Be yourself |
Honest and caring |
| Be unique |
Stand out from the crowd |
| Be helpful |
Solve problems |
| Be fun |
Laughter reduces stress |
| Be personable |
A real friend |
| Be approachable |
Have an open door |
| Be apologetic |
When you make an error |
| Be open minded |
To new ideas and suggestions |
| Seek advice |
Show you value their input |
| Be sharing |
New contacts, ideas |
Other ideas: Newsletters, tickets for special events of interest, post cards, recommend or send a book, provide copies of news releases, new products or services news, free samples, recommend a supplier, refer a prospect, introduce them to others, visit their web site or booth at a trade show and provide comments, meet occasionally for breakfast or lunch, donate to a charity on their behalf in lieu of Christmas cards.
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