SBSL-Founder-SJ
Level 4

Continually fill your funnel ...

... by building strong width & depth based relationships. It's been called social capital. Always put the transactions second to the relationships which you create, cultivate ( seeding/farming ), & sustain, let alone replicate.
ShanaNiederman
Level 6

Talk about your business

I agree social capital is important, @SBSL-Founder-SJ. And that relationships are really critical. We explored a bit about both here. Check it out!

 

How to Keep Customers Smiling Even When Things Go Wrong

Working with Suppliers: Be Prepared – and Get Ready for Give and Take (Part One)

Employees on Your Mind? Some Hints Before You Hire

WATCH: Hiring Employees -- Two Small Businesses Share Tips!

 

Can you share some specifics about how you build "strong width & depth based relationships"? We'd love to know more about what works for you!

SBSL-Founder-SJ
Level 4

Talk about your business

TY! I most certainly can & shall. Width = find as much common ground, inc. hobbies/interests, backstories, et al. to build/create a foundation as possible. Most often, this will be driven forward by asking unique questions - such as "what are your the best in the metro area/city at doing for your customers/clientele?" Depth = Go far beyond the tired "what" & "how" questions re: your business -- get to know WHO the other person(s) is/are & WHY they are in the profession/industry/business they chose/presently lead.

@ShanaNiederman wrote:

I agree social capital is important, @SBSL-Founder-SJ. And that relationships are really critical. We explored a bit about both here. Check it out!

 

Can you share some specifics about how you build "strong width & depth based relationships"? We'd love to know more about what works for you!


WillowOlder
Level 5

Talk about your business

We've been exploring another opportunity when "social capital" helps boost *real* capital: crowdfunding! @SBSL-Founder-SJ, check out a couple of our new posts that highlight the importance of relationship building when it comes to raising money:

How to Launch a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign (Crowdfunding Part One)

“Backed by QuickBooks” Gives Cash to Compelling Campaigns (Crowdfunding Part Two)

 

Part three is coming later this week. Stay tuned!

SBSL-Founder-SJ
Level 4

Talk about your business

Very valuable! Am a BIG fan of crowdfunding and/or micro-loans. The very tired perspective / conventional "wisdom" about needing to obtain a business loan isn't entirely obsolete, however, in the combination Gig Economy/Digital Age in which we now live, it is a far less necessary option.

@WillowOlder wrote:

We've been exploring another opportunity when "social capital" helps boost *real* capital: crowdfunding! @SBSL-Founder-SJ, check out a couple of our new posts that highlight the importance of relationship building when it comes to raising money:

How to Launch a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign (Crowdfunding Part One)

“Backed by QuickBooks” Gives Cash to Compelling Campaigns (Crowdfunding Part Two)

 

Part three is coming later this week. Stay tuned!