As you reopen your company, people you previously did business with might or might not return with you. Or, it could be the same people, but in different positions, not necessarily having the same latitude and/or resources at their disposal. These individuals, vendors or customers, will most likely continue their relationships, but it will probably be one that’s changed. So, you’ll need to re-establish said relationships and do so in a thoughtful and careful manner. Why Business Relations are Now more Important and Fragile than Ever Of course, whether or not you’re dealing with the same individuals and/or roles Will depend on a number of factors. It’s important to understand and accept the fact that you have no control over these situations. That means you’ll have to make adjustments on your end, in order to make the relationships work. Hopefully, the people you deal with will have some say of their own, but it’s best to hope for the best and plan for the worst. In the early months of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted wide-sweeping shutdowns and shelter-in-place orders across the United States. Now, as parts of the country look to start relaxing these strict measures, small business owners need to think about what’s next and how they will adapt and move forward safely and sustainably. —U.S. Chamber of Commerce As you reopen, some of the individual vendors and customers you previously worked with might not come back. Also, there’s the inevitability of personnel change among vendors you worked with prior to the shutdown. This means they’ll be some level of give and take, and you’ll need to temper your expectations from time to time until the new relationship takes form. How to (Re)Establish Business Relationships Post Shutdown Going forward, This new and strange dynamic will present its own set of challenges. But, with a bit of patience, tact, and along the way analysis, you can either establish new business relationships or re-establish old ones. Here’s how: Reach out. Obviously, this is where you’ll start. Reach out to those you had the strongest relationships before. Then, to others and go down the list to eventually get to those you only occasionally worked with prior to the shut down. Listen carefully. When you do speak to vendors and customers, make a conscious decision to actively listen. Don’t give into the urge to carry on about your business. Instead, take the time to listen carefully to them and learn about their circumstances. Communicate clearly. By the same token, be honest about your situation, exactly where you stand, and where you expect to be in the near future. In short, under promise and over deliver. Offer Meeting options. Not all clients, customers or partners will feel comfortable meeting in person so offer them options. We have asked our clients; would you prefer to do a video or ZOOM conference or have us meet you in person. Just asking shows you are sensitive to their concerns. Pay on time, every time. Also, be sure not to get too far ahead of yourself so you’re always in a position to pay on time, every time you receive an invoice. Otherwise, you’re opening yourself for trouble. Refer good vendors to others. Another thing you can do is to refer your favorite vendors (and customers) to others to show your appreciation. What other suggestions do you have? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Small businesses often find it difficult to compete with larger businesses, not just in terms of scale and resources, but also in terms of visibility. However, by partnering with local businesses, small businesses can create an ecosystem where they can mutually benefit from each other’s strengths. In this article, we will explore four ways that small businesses can make the best use of local partnerships to improve their business. After all, this is one of the best and most powerful growth strategies available, and better still, it’s often just a matter of making the right arrangements. How Small Businesses can Make the Best Use of Local Partnerships The first way that small businesses can make the best use of local partnerships is by optimizing customers’ experience. Local partnerships give small businesses an opportunity to provide their customers with a more personalized and customized experience. By partnering with other local businesses, small businesses can offer their customers a one-stop-shop solution that meets all their needs. One of a small business owner’s most strategic, and potentially profitable relationships, is the one he establishes with fellow business owners. When business owners offer complementary services, they can form partnerships to help them reach new customers and expand the products and services they offer. These local partnerships help businesses increase their visibility and build customer loyalty. —Houston Chronicle Small Business Another way that small businesses can benefit from partnering with other local businesses is by using local partnerships to experiment with variations. Small businesses often lack the resources to experiment with different product offerings or marketing strategies. However, by partnering with other local businesses, they can test out different variations without incurring too much risk. Third, small businesses can create complementary offerings through local partnerships. For example, a coffee shop can partner with a local bakery to offer customers a discount when they purchase both coffee and pastries. This principle can also apply to a number of other businesses. So, co-existing industry peers, like in real estate, such as a title company and a mortgage broker, or a residential sales broker and an interior decorator can do the same. By partnering with other businesses, small businesses can offer their customers a more complete package that meets all their needs. Finally, small businesses can give and receive customer referrals through local partnerships. By partnering with other businesses in the same industry, small businesses can tap into each other’s customer base and generate more leads. In addition, by giving referrals, small businesses can build trust and credibility with their partners, which can lead to more business opportunities in the future. Local partnerships are a great way for small businesses to improve their business. By optimizing customers’ experience, experimenting with variations, creating complementary offerings, and giving and receiving customer referrals, small businesses can make the best use of local partnerships to improve their business. What other benefits do local partnerships offer? Please take a few minutes to share your own thoughts and experiences so others get the most out of these relationships. Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.