Business connections: you’ve made them at some point in time throughout your career. You’ve had your good, your better, and your best ones. Remember how great it felt when you achieved what you set out to accomplish together?  However, what might not be as fresh in your mind is what it took to get you to where you are with those people now.
While in Las Vegas this past week for the ATRA Powertrain Expo and AAPEX, I attended a session about building business relationships with other professionals outside of my organization.
As I sat there, I reflected upon the building blocks that it takes to make a good professional relationship work and how much you can liken it to that of a marriage.
Flirtation: In the early stages of a new connection, there are many calls back and forth and maybe even a few emails as you get a feel for one another. Do they feel the same way about your company as you do about theirs? Are they comparing another vendor alongside you?
Making it Official: As time passes and products and dollars change places, you both establish that you’re the right fit for one another. Whether by handshake or signing on the dotted line, you make your status official.
The Relationship: Navigating each other’s habits, tendencies, priorities, and issues that are deemed deal breakers is a crucial phase.  You have to be conscious of the other company’s values, where the business is trending, and how you can continue to work together to foster growth.
The Rings: The hard part isn’t finding or having a relationship, but in maintaining it for the long run. How do you continue to build upon the foundation? How do you handle the push and pull of growing pains, of the initial excitement fading? There must be the realization that you both want what is best for each other individually – and together as a team.
Relationships on any level are not a perfect science. How did your best business connection turn into more?

photo credit: © kelly marken – stock.adobe.com

This week, The Trans Detective hit the road. This edition, she’s bringing one of her lessons learned out of the office right to your inbox. How does a business connection turn into a longterm commitment? Comment below or email Megan directly!