What is the most important asset of a business? Here are a few choices:
- Customers
- Employees
- Technology
They are all important, but there is one missing element. Relationships. Strong relationships are what make a business successful. It’s not a new concept and it’s been around since business started. Let’s look at each one:
Employees: Most employees do not just want a job, but a place that they enjoy working at. Strong relationships start with appreciation and gratitude for your employees and a team-based approach. When you have great relationships with your employees then productivity increases, loyalty forms, and customer service is improved.
Customers: Every business should strive for strong, lifetime relationships with their customers. However, this means that you should do business with people that you enjoy doing business with. As a byproduct, strong relationships foster win-win results, including an increase of business activity, loyalty, and referrals from friends and family.
Technology: Technology can help to foster relationships by keeping you more connected with your employees and customers and making their experience more enjoyable.
Based upon anecdotal evidence and especially the thoughts of business gurus, the concept of relationships seems to be very true. Also, what greatly impacts a business and is overlooked even more is the condition of our personal relationships. Look around and see for yourself.
One caveat. Do not form vain relationships with people just because of what they can do for you or from a view of utility, but rather as an act of charity.