3 tips to develop long-term relationships

It’s well known that
PR professionals
excel at building relationships, but is that enough?

We all have that someone in our circle—the most connected person who knows someone in whatever industry and is always happy to help.

Do you know someone like that? Have you ever wondered how they do it?
When do they find the time? Aren’t they tired?

What’s the secret?

Modern communications is about building lasting relationships

Building lasting relationships
is not easy. It requires time, dedication, focus, and above all caring
about those people you’d like to connect with.

[FREE DOWNLOAD:

Networking tips to get the most out of your next conference or business event]

This isn’t about going to networking events and starting a marathon of
sharing your business cards. The modern communicator knows that to build a
lasting relationship with anyone, you must learn as much as possible about
the people you’re trying to connect with.

Nor is it about knowing their résumé or latest public accomplishment. It’s about finding those subtle details that are very important for
them outside of the workplace. When you connect at a personal level, you
set the ground for a life-lasting relationship.

Here’s how communicators can build enduring relationships.

1.
The power of saying “no.”

Deirdre Breakenridge beautifully sums it up in her latest book, “Answers for Modern Communicators.”

“When you start saying ‘No’ to every opportunity, you begin to carefully
select the best opportunities, becoming a much more present participant in
your interactions with family, friends, and at work too. Saying ‘No’ helps
you pursue the best connections, and to also focus on growing the right
relationships.”

Learn to carefully select what projects get you to say “yes.” It’s very
easy to try to help everyone around you and get sucked up into their
problems and little drama, whether at work or at home.

Say “no” to everything that is not aligned with your personal and
professional development. Say “no” to things that others can do better and
faster than you. Say “no” to things that are not aligned with your values.

Only then will you be more mindful with the people you interact with. You
will be more present and genuine in your interactions.

2.
Real relationships can start online.

Just because you connect with people online, it doesn’t mean you can’t
build real relationships with them. After all,
social media is about connecting.

We live in a small, interconnected world. Treat your online relationships
as you would the offline ones. Behind every screen, there is a human being.

Be mindful when you connect online. Just like you would in real life.
Treasure every interaction you have online or offline and don’t lose sight
of your goal to grow the right relationships for you.

3.
Become a connector.

It’s not about you. It’s about the people you connect with. How can you
help them? How can you make things easier for them?

Is there anyone in your existing network who can help them and vice-versa?
The more you grow your network, the more people you can help. Make it your
mission to nurture and continue to develop your own relationships.

Building great relationships is about trust. When someone trusts you with
their friendship, online or offline, be mindful and treasure that trust.
Share them with care and respect.

Building great relationships is also about the time and effort you put in.
It’s wonderful that social media allows us to connect with anyone no matter
where they are in the world. However, just like in real life, you have to
put in time, effort, and intention to move from a connection to a wonderful
relationship.

Corina Manea is the founder of NutsPR. Connect with
her on

Twitter. A version of this article originally ran on

the PR Expanded blog.

(Image via)