The other day I was making my way through my favorite shopping mall. You know the scene; crowds of people, canned music the "noise" of hundreds of people all talking at the same time.
NOT my favorite "pastime." I was giving myself at least 10 good reasons for not being there. To go back home and get the book I was after on the Internet in the comfort of my own home.
Just then I was stopped by someone with an outstretched hand asking me for money. This has happened to me before. I'm sure it's happened to almost everyone at some time or another.
I'm a sucker for this kind of approach and usually give a few dollars to a person who looks like they could use a hot meal. The strange thing about it is I don't really feel that I've done anything "good." The strongest feeling I get is that I've been "railroaded."
Now a different scene. You're at home now. You get a phone call from a friend that you know well. This friend asks you a favor, advice or even asks you for money.
The reason isn't important. Fact is, I'm willing to bet that you gladly helped that friend with whatever problem they might have had! Furthermore I'm willing to bet it left you with a "warm" gratifying feeling that your friend chose YOU to ask for help and that you were able to help!
You know that one day you might get into a similar position and also need help and that friend will be there to help you.
Think about it. You had a good feeling about helping your friend because you know that friend. You can remember things you did together.
That makes ALL the difference!
Transfer that to your business please. Take a look at your customer list, your downline or your prospects. How well do you know them? What do you know about them apart from their name and email address?
Ask yourself this. Would you invite them into your home?
The real question is would they come?
Do they know enough about you to accept an invitation?
I know it's impractical and NO ONE in a real world would invite hundreds or even thousands of people to their home. THAT is EXACTLY the point I want to make here. We tend to think "I can't build a real relationship so why bother? Business is Business and they're ONLY customers." WRONG! That is our greatest and most "common" mistake.
If I "know" someone I'm more likely to "trust" them.
Do your customers and prospects trust You? Do they trust you enough to buy your product or service?
Any relationship is built on trust. Even more so a business relationship. After all I'm requiring my partner (customer) to part with money in my favor.
Don't be anonymous. Don't hide. Introduce yourself on your Web site. Show your visitors how they can reach you, your email address should be your web based address, your telephone number, and your postal address.
Let people see you're a real person that can be reached.
A very effective medium in "getting to know you" is your forum! Where your customers and prospects can reach you and communicate with you almost in real time.
That is in my opinion the best way to build relationships.
If you don't have a forum then I thoroughly recommend you set one up. If you don't have a website and are not able to offer a forum then seriously consider the advantages of having your own Web site.
It's NOT as difficult or expensive as you might think.
Try a Newsletter
Another effective medium is a newsletter. Create your own newsletter. Keep your customers and prospects informed not ONLY about your product or service.
Let it get a bit personal a times and reveal a little of yourself. Your latest family addition, an episode out of your life, something funny that happened to you today
The bottom line is if I know you well enough to trust you. I'm more likely to do business with you.
Karl Mills is the owner of Successful Rewards - Home Business "In a Box" and Web Design System. He has published several articles about Online Business and how-to get started.
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