Part 1: Relationships
By Joe Schuster
As we all strive to be our best, periodically, the need to reflect on our professional development is required. I had the opportunity to join one of Heartland’s “Let’s Talk Tanning” podcasts presented by Kristin Jackson.
Kristin uses her unique style on the podcast to provide really entertaining and informative experiments. I believe that there are clearly many buckets that can be focused on to increase your professional development, but I chose to dive into 3 specific areas: Relationships, Branding and Success.
I decided to create a small article series based on these three areas. This is my article on the first true key to success: relationships.
Relationships Matter
Genuine relationships that build business growth, customer retention and industry influence.
When my sons were younger, we had a favorite restaurant that we’d visit every few weeks. After being seated we would review the menu and wait for our server to arrive. Upon that arrival, I would introduce myself, ask for the server’s name and deliver our beverage order.
My sons would always look at me with a strange face when I would ask for a name.
One, in fact, asked “Dad, really? Do you always WORK everybody?”
I laughed and I knew what he meant. For those that know me, you know I like to speak with everybody! And why not? I feel that life is much more entertaining listening and learning about others.
But at the center of this chat was (and always is) relationship building. We all go to restaurants and I’m sure we’ve all had some regrettable experiences. Developing a relationship can often be the beginning of resolutions, even when it comes to something as simple as a crabby waiter.
But as small business owners, there is a constant need to create a sales environment every single day. But those relationships start with heartfelt dialog. Being in sales for most of my life, I’m wary and very bored with sales staff that go with a canned speech in trying to get their message across.
I mean, aren’t we all a little wary of that?
Communication, whether to your sales team, your vendor, your clients or your family begins with being open and honest. When a client asks a question about indoor tanning, you should be able to respond with factual information, not hype or conjecture that you may have seen or heard about.
Be A Human Speaker
Most of us have noticed when someone we were speaking to didn’t seem confident in what they said. They mumble. They shuffle their feet, look away, and ramble. Perhaps it’s a generational thing with me, but I was taught by my father at a young age to “speak clearly and enunciate.”
My head spins when I’m having a conversation with someone that speaks way too fast or way too softly, uses what is known as “upspeak,” uses incorrect verb tense and/or pronunciations.
I think we have lost some of our ability to speak as a result of the overuse of texts and emails to communicate. Deals are often made by texts, make ups or break ups by text. But you know what? That doesn’t feel sincere—and in many cases, it ends up being a reason that your business relationships don’t go the extra mile.
Think about how distant all that “tech-style talk” makes you feel. Has your significant other ever called you on your cell or texted you…when you’re in the same house?! That’s progressing? That’s regressing! Today, people yearn for better communication that sounds and feels real.
Listen Up!
Following that would be the art of being a good listener. We have two ears and one mouth for a reason. Listen and maintain strong eye contact to get that relationship underway. So if strong communication is key, how would you evaluate your ability?
If you’ve been told that you need to listen up more often, it may be time to work on your active listening skills. Relationships blossom when everyone feels heard, seen, and understood.
Give Them The Facts
You owe it to your clients to be a wealth of knowledge. A fantastic source for that information can be from Sun is Life certification and training . An entire salon staff trained with the same factual message is a great way to maintain communication consistency. For more information, visit www.sunislife.com.
Listen to the full podcast on Spotify, The Foundations of Strong Business Relationships by Joe Schuster
