by Craig Valine
In business, it's easy to burn bridges with people. By It's one of the biggest mistakes I see businesses make. And There was a time in my life when: * I wouldn't return phone calls * I wouldn't follow-up with a referral from a client * I'd miss an appointment and not call to apologize * I wouldn't pay my vendors on time * I'd squable over a few dollars, or * I'd act apathetic from a good deed from another Isn't that stupid? Of course it is. And, I'm not-so-happy I AM happy to say, however, that I've mended my ways. The I really took that to heart. I do understand that it's My business (marketing coaching) relies completely on my Positive relationships are the key to success in business. What if we've already burned bridges with the people we've Or, how do we prevent burning bridges with the people we're * Always treat your customers like dear and valued friends. * If your customer has a problem, rectify it as soon as
"burning bridges" I mean, destroy relationships with your
customers, clients, employees, vendors, etc.
quite frankly, it's a stupid mistake. It's so stupid, I'm
willing to admit I was the reigning champ of burning
bridges with my clients and friends...and it cost me dearly.
to say that I am NOT the only person who does this. Many
of my own clients don't even realize how damaging it is
to their own business, their reputations, and their
credibility.
primary reason I got my act together was because a teacher
of mine gave me a proverbial 'slap-in-the-face' and said,
"your business is about relationships and you are detroying
all of them."
important to cultivate, maintain and nurture relationships
with the people we do business with - not to burn bridges.
reputation, credibility, and the rapport I build and keep
with my clients. If I burn bridges with my clients, I burn
a little bit of myself along the way.
done business with in the past? Is it too late to make
peace?
doing business with now? Below are a few strategies that I
use to prevent burning bridges and to nurture positive
relationships with my clients:
Do the nice things for them that you'd do for your best
friend or a family member.
possible. Communicate with them always. Let them know
exactly how you intend to handle the problem, and when
you'll be in contact with them next.
* Always try to conduct yourself nobly and professionally * If the business/customer relationship doesn't work out, * Despite any differences of opinion, work hard to be honest The message is simple: People understand that things go wrong. If you've burned bridges in the past, it's not too late to About the Author
Craig Valine is the publisher of
in the end, as well as in the beginning of a relationship
with your customer.
attempt to salvage whatever good and goodwill are still
left in the relationship. Just because it didn't work out
with them, doesn't mean they wouldn't refer others to you...
as long as you treat them with respect.
and positive. Always be noble, respectful and genuine.
They understand that you forget. They understand that you get
busy. They understand that you and your product or service may
be imperfect. All they want is to feel like you respect them,
you care about them, and that you'll do whatever it takes to
help them.
start re-building them now. Positive relationships are the
key to success in business, and it starts with YOU, now.
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