Practice Relationship Building

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When I attended a women’s leadership conference during undergrad, one of the speakers said a quote that has stuck with me to this day, “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.”

Relationship building may be one of the most important skills that you will ever develop. Although first impressions are lasting, interpersonal communication is connecting.

I never forgot the people who I may not speak to for months, but always remember to contact me on my birthday. I never forget the people who remembered to ask about my mom’s surgery, or my husband’s test, or how I have been since my relative passed away. More importantly, I never forget the people who show up for me in whatever way that looks like at the time. Unfortunately, I also never forget the people who don’t.

In less words, I am saying I never forget the people who take the time to remember and acknowledge the seemingly small, insignificant details of my life genuinely. Based on my experiences, other people don’t forget either.  

Make caring a habit. Practice relationship building. As I get older and meet more people, the calendar and notes features on my cell phone are essential to relationship building because it is impossible for me to remember everything about everyone. When I learn someone’s birthday, I add it to my phone so I am able to contact them or send a card or note when it comes around. Depending on the frequency of our interaction, I may even save spouses’ names and children’s names. Call people by their names. Learn how to pronounce and spell them correctly. Trust me, if they have an unpopular name like me, they will remember.

The best brands have the ability to connect to individuals fundamentally based on their values and ideology. Brand loyalty is the customer’s outward expression of that connection.

In the midst of trying to build a brand that is very lucrative and successful, remember the basics:

1.       Keep your word. Do what you say you are going to do

2.       Hold steadfast to your core values

3.       Support the people who support you

4.       Remember the little things because they add up to big things

The best marketing vehicle I have experienced personally is word of mouth. If people have a good experience working with you, they will definitely refer you to people in their circle, so don’t take the importance of interpersonal communication lightly. The people who unwittingly represent you could make or break your business. Don’t spend time creating an amazing product or service, and allow negative interactions to hinder your progress. Effort could be the bridge that fills the gap between where you are and where you want to be.

Let’s build a successful brand together!

Be Your Own Brand Manager First

I remember when I was in elementary school, and my parents were working with a real estate agent to help us find a new home. I asked my dad, “Why do real estate agents always have nice cars?” He simply responded, “Perception. If they didn’t have nice things, it would be harder to convince other people that they could get them nice things.”

As a speech communication minor in undergrad, I learned that communication is more than just words. Everyday, people form opinions about you by both your verbal cues and nonverbal cues such as physical attributes and appearance. Since many of these aspects will be outside of your control, honing in on the aspects over which you do have control becomes even more important.

In the midst of developing your business plan, take a step back, assess your personal brand, and figure out what it says about you. You may have the next best product or service in the market, but your ethos could hinder your effectiveness. Especially in this age of social media, gaining an understanding of the nonverbal cues you are projecting is of vital importance for both your personal and professional life.

In determining where I invest my time and resources, as well as the things I post online, I always consider my personal brand statement. Start by developing your personal brand statement and let that be the guiding force of your posts and pursuits. It will assist in building your credibility and foundation long before you introduce your business, so it will be better received.

My personal brand statement:

                I am a creative person who is also very business-minded. My curiosity is what fuels my love of traveling and exploring new experiences. I am a saved Christian, so my mission is to increase God’s kingdom through my words, actions, and service. I have an amazing family and friends that I desire to do good and not harm in the present and future. I take my life seriously, but not myself seriously. Health and fitness are important to me, but I am not quite disciplined enough to have discount codes on social media. I am a minority and a woman, so I want to uplift, inspire, and create opportunities for people who look like me.

What is your personal brand statement? Does that align with your branding today?