This paper talks about how a business in this instance, a kitchen constructing company, can make use of different skills by effectively combining them to enjoy a profitable business that will benefit in the long run.
Significance of Networking
The success of a business depends on the person running it. This is where their “people-skills” come in. The way they best approach contacts, how they maintain them and make new ones is very vital to their business. For instance I run a business where we make kitchens, vanities and robes for new and existing houses so my interaction with people is constant. For me to get new contracts it’s very important for me to maintain a good relationship with my vendors, customers and my employees. The friendliness with my vendors allows me to get the best quality materials that I may need and that too very timely at the best rates. My inviting attitude allows my customers to feel comfortable around me and communicate exactly what it is that they want and creates a comfort level whereby I can advise them on what would be best for them and how to do things better keeping their best interests in mind. I also keep a very friendly attitude with my employees, making it a fun environment to work in and acknowledging their achievements, also keeping in mind little details such as birthdays in mind to make them feel important, which results in high productivity and low absenteeism.
There are many other skills that also come into play such as negotiation skills. The way to negotiate for best loans, prices, project completion dates and many others utilize this skill. For instance if I decide that I want to expand further I’ll need assistance in the form of a loan from the bank. I’ll have to plan my strategy out before I speak to them and anticipate any questions they might have and come up with satisfactory answers, convincing them to grant me the loan. The construction business is home to many vendors and that too of all types. The best will give you what you need but at a slightly higher price. It’s very important to negotiate a price with them that fits your budget and doesn’t offend them at the same time. When clients want something designed for them they would like it as soon as possible and hardly ever understand all the work and time that goes into creating the project. It is very important then to make them see things from your perspective and not to give them a date that’s too far off neither too close, allowing for best the best to happen. For instance if a situation arises in the workplace where two of my workers disagree with each other over the way something is supposed to be done then I take these skills and put them into use. I sit them down and ask them to rationally explain what the problem is, once I have learned that we sit down and look for a solution that satisfies everyone. This is where my negotiation skills come in. I make them look at it in a way that is beneficial for all and we don’t lose out on too much work time because of the bickering.
Remaining Stagnant?
Now that we know how important it is to initiate and maintain healthy relationships with a variety of people, we must ask ourselves is that enough? Is there anything more that we should be doing? Yes there is. We should maintain these relationships but at the same time we should create new relationships by increasing our contacts may these be vendors, clients, or even people who are working in the same type of industry. There are many ways to do this but the best is to participate in events and seminars which bring together the different people of the industry and allow them to exchange experience and knowledge.
Conclusion
There are many ways to run a successful business but some things are absolute key to it. One of these is creating and maintaining relationships with those who are closely involved. The better the relationship is handled the better the results will prove to be for the business’s future.
Bibliography
- MacKenzie, L. (2004). CareerWomen.com “10 Negotiation Tips From Women in the Trenches”.
- O’Berry, D (2007) Entrepreneur. 10 Ways To Strengthen Your Business Relationships.
- Robertson, K. (2009). President of the Robertson Training Group. 5 Ways To Negotiate More Effectively. Web.