Have you wondered why you feel connected with some people when you meet them, and others that you feel disconnected the minute they say 'hi'?

It isn't a coincidence when this happens. The way you approach and speak with others sends a message, an energy that either makes them feel at ease and comfortable, or a message that you're being imposed upon. Would you like to learn how to attract others to you so they want to talk with you and learn about your service or product you offer?
People often ask me what is the most important in starting new relationships with others. The number one thing that is mandatory in meeting and talking with others is to 'be present' when you are with them.

What I mean about 'being present' is to set the intention to look the person in the eye and take the time to release what you were doing in the last hour and the last five minutes, and not think about it, or focus on what you will be doing later. To be totally present means that you are actively listening and living that moment right now. Watching the other person's body language, noting the words they use (Which speaking style do they use: visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or a combination of the different styles?) and what they get energized about when they speak. Are they giving or seeking facts and information, or do they communicate from a 'people' or 'things' focus?

So you may ask: What is the most important relationship marketing skill to develop and maintain clients and customers?
You might be surprised at the answer.

It's not having a great marketing message, powerful marketing collateral materials or a 'bullet-proof' marketing plan. All of those are certainly important in a business. The answer to that question is building and maintaining those relationships. It's my favorite 'F' word: Follow-up!

In my teleclasses and during group coaching, I joke about how people spend lots of time and money on 'a dynamic marketing message' just to get the client's/customer's attention. However, those words aren't the whole package. You and your business aren't about the outward message only. How you act and behave around others speaks much louder about who you are and what you do than your marketing materials. It's the action and behavior you demonstrate to others that connects you with them. People want to be around those they trust, feel safe and comfortable.

We all want to believe that the marketing message and collateral we distribute encourages others to do business with us. As much as people want to believe that myth, and spend money forever trying to perfect their message, it doesn't necessarily attract others to do business with you.

When the client/customer thinks or feels that you are like them - - that you approach situations like they do, and you both have similar values and ethics, they choose you over the other business. We like to do business with people who are like us.

Your marketing message is a just one tool to deliver a message to get some initial attention. That's all.
And virtually every single marketing action after that is follow-up. Take responsibility to build a relationship with your client/customer. Find out everything you can about this person. What is important to them, what they value, what they want? What do they want in life? What organization to they volunteer? How do they spend their leisure time?

When the customer/client shows some interest in your product/service, it most likely occurs when they see that you have a genuine interest in helping them . It's when you try and help them solve a problem or achieve something they have stated they want to accomplish. Then they are ready to listen to you, because you have listened to them.
There are probably hundreds of people providing a similar product you provide or a service you perform.
So how do you distinguish your product or service from all the rest?

It's relationship marketing. It's not selling. It's about building relationships with others - - connecting with others and releasing all outcomes/ expectations of how it will evolve. When we 'come from the heart' instead of 'from the head', we attract others who have similar values as ours. It's about focusing on them and not speaking about what you have to offer. Let them do the talking. Givers gain.

I invite you to follow-up with those you meet and begin relationship marketing today!

About the Author: Lynne has a Masters in Education and A Masters in Spiritual Psychology. When providing group and individual coaching, LQM uses a 'whole person' approach and asks questions to help the client identify what aspect or issue needs to be addressed. We understand and recognize the value of work/life balance in our clients' lives. I coach individuals and small groups to achieve their personal and professional goals to bring more work/life balance in their lives.

If you know of someone who wants to move forward in their life, past overwhelm, exhaustion and stress, so they can experience joy, satisfaction, fun, prosperity, and healthy relationships, or if you know of a group of people who already are meeting and supporting one another, who want to take their lives to a higher level of achievement through group coaching, send an e-mail to lynne@lifequestmentoring.com

I offer a FREE 30-minute complimentary coaching session. If you'd like a complimentary coaching session, contact Lynne at (719) 433-2727.

http://www.lifequestmentoring.com