Despite the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, our team has decided to set aside time to focus on connecting and reflecting. Over the last few weeks, I have been doing just that – connecting with team members and clients and reflecting on the successes and challenges of the past year.
While reflecting, I wondered how good of job we did as an agency of connecting with our clients, partners and each other. In our world of digital communication, the *what have you done for me lately* attitude and never-ending drive to reduce costs and increase productivity, I wondered, “Is there room for connecting? Is there value in investing in the relationship versus focusing on productivity and responses times?”
Of course, the answer is, “Absolutely!”
Making time to connect and improving a client or partner relationship will have several impacts. In particular, I see four notable benefits:
### BETTER QUALITY
Often what a client wants is not what they need. Sometimes, they are trying to tell you the solution without stating the problem. “Peeling the onion” and getting to the real challenge or their real motivation is much easier when you have a solid relationship with the client. Bottom line: more information = better work. Better work = happier clients.
### MORE OPPORTUNITIES
The better relationship you have with a client, the more likely they are to share their challenges, opportunities and needs. The more you understand their business, the better you can identify solutions and services to meet their needs.
### MORE CHANCES
We all make mistakes, even the best of us. Are you more forgiving of a friend or an acquaintance? We have been on both sides of this over the years – getting a second or third chance due to a mistake, and on the flip side, not getting the second chance. It all boils down to the quality of the relationship.
### MORE REWARDING
Let’s face it – working with a person you like and consider a friend is simply more fun and more rewarding. Why would we not want to pursue this?
The good news: it’s the perfect time of year to reach out to connect and strengthen those relationships that are important to you and your business. So as you reflect when the year comes to a close, ask yourself if you are connecting enough.
Interested in connecting with the Intrinzic team? [Reach out](mailto:wendy.vonderhaar@intrinzicbrands.com) and let’s connect over coffee.
