Business is Relationships

The most important lesson in business is “People Buy from People.” They don’t buy from XYZ Corporation. They buy from Jennifer in customer service. They buy from Paul in sales. They buy from the online ordering system because Carl in marketing wrote ‘How to’ instructions on the webpage. People are always involved from customers to co-workers to service providers working for your company.

One phone call a customer asked me a technical question sales wasn’t sure about. Answered him the product use details. Afterwards we had small talk. Spur of moment asked him ‘Were there any problems he was having?’ He replied he could not get our competitor’s products because they were late delivering. Asked if he knew our products were compatible to the competitors. He did not. Explained the limitations and how they would work.

Week later got another phone call from same customer. He not only had ordered our product to try them, he was raving about fast delivery and how they worked better than the competitors. He was now an Enthusiastic customer. His orders increased and he told friends in the business. One phone call increased product sales for years to come.

No one ever told me to ask customers questions. Was an engineer who rarely talked with customers. Just trying to see how else I could help or learn about a customer’s business. Was building a business relationship.

Business is always changing with new customers, new technologies, new products, new services, and new business models.  What does not change is figuring how to make people’s lives easier and better.

Being polite, patient, and following through builds relationships best. Works with customers, co-workers, bosses, family and friends.

Personal note - My 200^th blog post. From the first “Success Ladder” posted on April 1, 2007 till now, writing organizes thoughts and share lessons with readers. Was a newbie unskilled writer in 2007. These posts started discussions with. Some posts became chapters in my books. Reader feedback has helped me learn the writing craft, and more importantly, think about who we serve in business everyday. Thank you.