​​Building industry relationships is one of the key things that you can do to ensure that you stay up-to-date and at the forefront in your market. There are plenty of events that you can attend, where you can meet contacts that you can build on that will help you throughout your career.

Many events have now moved back to being in person – and these are the best ones to go to where you can meet other professionals, who share your passion for what you do and where you can learn about the current successes and challenges.

It might feel uncomfortable at first introducing yourself to new people – what do you say? At in person events, you can talk about the events itself; what you think of it and what you have learned. The more you do it, the less awkward it feels! Find the common ground when you introduce yourself. Establishing this, asking questions and building rapport will really help you to start forming bonds that can last throughout your career.

If you are looking to build relationships online or over the phone, the theory is the same. Find the common ground, ask good questions and offer your opinions.

If you are looking to build up a client relationship, you will want to consider what you can offer them and how you will make a difference to their business.

It’s important to maintain a relationship and contact, even when there isn’t business on the table or something in it for you at that time. Nurturing relationships takes time and care – the connection you have with them around needs is so important and showing them that you are thinking of them at different times can really help with that – sharing something that would be of interest to them can be really effective.

The more you give, the more you will get back in return.

More great advice:

The Key to Finding your Inner Salesperson View blog