How to leverage relationships to grow your business

Relationships is like the new currency of the online space. When you grow and cultivate relationships with those you interact with online, then you are setting up yourself for a major increase of new followers to your social media pages.

There is a right way and a wrong way of soliciting relationships online.

DO'S
The key to growing successfully online is by having the right relationships. Those of us who have social media pages have alot of persons on our friends list. But, how many of those "friends" help you push your business on a regular basis? Think on this, and write down the number of persons who can. If you don't have alot, then it's time to fill your friend's list with quality persons who are aligned closely with your ideal clients. So, here's how you can do that in the right way.

Go to the groups that you belong to that are aligned with your business. For example, if you are an interior decorator, then I'm sure you have joined groups that focus in interior decorating, design, home construction, real estate etc. The members of those groups are filled with your potential clients. So, you go down the list and look at their profiles. If you believe building a relationship with that person can help you extend your reach online, then send them a friend request. The person is more likely to accept your request if you have things in common. The first thing they will see is that you both belong to the same group. Having one or more friends in common is another plus, as they may trust the request more.

When they accept, do not leave it there. Send them a DM to thank them for accepting your request, and let them know why you reached out. That way, they will know that you are genuine. You have to nurture the relationship after that by commenting on their posts, also liking and sharing. Reach out ever so often to ask how they are going. Ask them if there is anything you can do to help. Whatever you do or say, be genuine! They will definitely reciprocate sooner or later. 

DON'TS 
Don't try to take their clients or followers! What you should do is ask them if you can share an offer that you have, and let their followers opt-in. This is the correct way to grow your list with their audience. Later on in the relationship, you can ask for collaborations.

Don't get into financial transactions through online relationships. This is where things can go bad really fast. There are many ways to get things done from where you are. When you get involved in cash transactions, loans and investments, it is highly possible to get your name and business tarnished online if you are not able to repay. So, I'm urging you, stay clear from these types of relationships.

If by chance you have had a bad relationship, it is your duty to fix it. Don't leave it up to the other person. If it involves money, do not run or hide. Reach out to the person and find out how you can solve the issue. If the person does not want to hear, that's okay. You have done your part, and you can feel secure in that. 

Let me know in the comments if this has helped in any way. 

If you are a mom and an entrepreneur, be sure to join us in our amazing Facebook Group: Successful Mom Entrepreneur Network. 

xoxo