The business world is full of ebbs and flows. When things are running smoothly, it feels like there’s nothing that can get in the way of success. But when you hit a bump in the road, perspectives shift, and it can be challenging to stay positive.
While some factors may be out of your control, there are quite a few things you can do to get ahead when the going gets tough. And regardless of the situation, investing in business relationships should remain a top priority. They need to be cultivated and maintained or, like anything else, they fall apart. Author and speaker Allan Zimmerman says, “There are very few things that will pay off as well as the quality of your relationships.” Showing effort, even during a rough patch, yields better results both personally and professionally.
Here are four ways to find new opportunities during tough times:
Get Social- Meeting with prospective or existing clients face to face is one of the surest ways to strengthen a relationship. Whether it’s attending a concert or sporting event or grabbing a quick cup of coffee, socializing outside of standard business parameters shows you’re prioritizing time with them and vested in the partnership. It may not pay off right away, but they’ll remember you and be more inclined to reach out in the future.
Do Your Research- In tough times, every contact counts. The more background knowledge you acquire, the better equipped you’ll be for future interactions. Keep a running log of client preferences, hobbies or general interests, and other relevant information. Small talk is underrated but necessary, and if it matters to them, it should matter to you. Something may seem insignificant now but could prove beneficial to a business deal in the future.
Maintain an Open Dialogue- Unfortunately, not all deals are meant to be. And even the ones that are sometimes hit a roadblock. In order to keep things moving in a positive direction, seek feedback on how things went. Was there anything that could have made for a more seamless transaction? What can you do in the future to improve this relationship? Make it known you’re open and accepting of constructive criticism.
Cultivate Trust- No one wants to have hard conversations, but it comes with the territory, especially with current challenges plaguing businesses today. The last thing you want to do is overpromise and
underdeliver. Be honest and open so the client has faith in your abilities. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries either— better off being straightforward from the start.
In the words of Zig Zigler, “If people like you, they’ll listen to you. But if they trust you, they’ll do business with you.” Strengthen your network and reputation during tough times so that when things improve, people will seek you out.
As a C-Suite executive, it can be challenging to see the big picture when things are difficult, but that’s often when the little things matter most.
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