Customer, employees, or investors - relationships in business matter. It's about more than a "the customer is always right" attitude, org charts, or business dinners to woo potential investors.
In our fast paced world of instant gratification it's easy to forget that a strong, lasting business relationship will take a dedicated effort and focused time.
Customers are your advertising (no matter how great your marketing department's plan is!). Be authentic with them, let the inside match the outside. Allow customers see into your company. In a world where we see carefully crafted profiles and accounts, have marketing propaganda thrown at us from all directions starting in infancy, it's refreshing to support a company that isn't "putting on airs" - a company that is transparent with it's customers regarding vision, causes supported, a company that lets the customer behind the scenes.
Employees are the life blood of your business - they can make or break a company. Employees have ideas, skills, and talents (that's why you hired them), don't overlook what they can offer. Communication is of the utmost importance - both vertically and horizontally! Communication styles, just like personality styles, vary widely in a workplace. The way to present or obtain information from one employee may not work with another. Know what makes your employees tick; get personal - share experiences, points of view, stories, and history. Respect and loyalty demonstrated will be returned.
Investors - whether it be financial, emotional, or resource are necessary. Seek people who desire to invest in you, not just the product or the vision of your company. Make the connection meaningful - an investor can tell if they are being viewed as a piggy bank or if there is a true desire to connect and receive what they are able to provide. Offer a relationship before asking for an investment.
-- S. Pensyl
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