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!