Why build trusted relationships?

When in business it’s difficult to know someone after a few meetings. Not everyone portrays the real them, at first, or ever, which was very difficult for me to come to grips with in my early years of being a business owner.

Taking the time to get to know someone.

Obviously it takes time to really get to know someone, but it is well worth it. I have made many trusted business relationships which have benefited myself and the people I connect to.

I mentioned in my early years I was too trusting and took everyone at face value, I certainly got burnt a few times doing that. Whether I am looking to hire someone, work with someone, partner with someone or refer someone I need to know I trust them, they are reliable and have credibility.

Taking someone at face value

In my third year of being in business I met a couple who were partners whilst I was attending a networking event. They approached me to do some work for me, a couple of thousand dollars worth of work, and I decided to trust them.

Big mistake, within a month my business partner and husband, Dave and I knew that they had no idea how to do the work, and I had already paid them half the money as deposit! We decided to cut our losses and move on, lesson learned.

Trusted relationships 

It’s wonderful to have people around you whom you can trust and relate to in business. Whether you are their client, or vice versa, or whether you are referring them, it means both parties benefit from the trust and respect for each other.

Some of the things important when people trust each other are:

  • Loyalty – keeping your word and following through.
  • Respect – each other’s decisions, honesty and work ethics.
  • Understanding – if one person can’t assist the other for a specific reason, acceptance of that fact without judging is the trusted bond between them.

Your Reputation

Remember when our parents warned us about having friends at school who did not apply themselves, skipped lessons, and generally got a bad name for themselves?

When you commit to being seen with people in business at networking events, or when partnering with others, their reputation can damage yours if they are not as honest, and offer great value to their clients.

Social Media

Keep an eye on your connections online.

Use social media as a way to get to know your connections, on a consistent basis. Often people show their true selves on social media, they feel more relaxed and open. This can mean you see the good, the bad and the ugly.

Referrals

Let’s not beat about the bush here, we all want, need and would like more referrals. One of the benefits of having trusted relationships is you can offer referrals to others and gain them yourself. Knowing that the person you referred is not going to let you down, is peace of mind.

Trust

‘Firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something.’