Here at Business Bedfellows we know that sometimes, with any relationship, things may not always go smoothly. Whatever the situation, the warning signs are usually there. Maybe we notice our ‘partners’ being more distant, maybe they aren’t sharing information like they used to or maybe they are behaving differently..........the list goes on.
The key is not to ignore these signs; sweeping them under the carpet won’t help anyone.
We read recently that in most relationships it's still the small things that really get under peoples' skin. Toothpaste tubes and squeezing technique. Toilet seats - up or down? Ring any bells?!
At Business Bedfellows we know that the same sort of little niggles are ever present in business relationships too and it's how you deal with them that will make all the difference.
So, we say....... don't let the small stuff mutate into big stuff. (Very eloquent, we know!) Use a bit of humour, get it off your chest and remember, nobody's perfect; you can be bloomin' irritating too!!!
At Business Bedfellows we love meeting and getting to know people. That’s one of the reasons why we host our own free networking events.
(Quick reminder – don’t forget Commercial Connections on Wednesday 14th September in Woking (http://commercialconnectionssept2011@eventbrite.com). Over 70 people have already registered. Hurrah!!)
One of the things that drives us insane is the short-sighted approach some individuals have to networking or ............... having conversations with flesh and blood people.
At Business Bedfellows we are great believers in being open and honest within your business relationships. What we know, however, is that it’s not always easy to give or receive feedback constructively. We are only human after all! Here are a few things that we think will help......
Receiving Feedback: listen and don’t interrupt, stay calm and try not to be defensive, focus on the facts and give yourself time to consider what has been said.
If I could be you and you could be me for just one hour
If we could find a way to get inside each other's minds
If you could see you through my eyes instead of your own ego
Walk a mile in my shoes, walk a mile in my shoes
Before you abuse, criticise or accuse
Walk a mile in my shoes...
At Business Bedfellows we love helping people develop their business relationships and we love connecting people too. Yes, those relationships have to get started somehow.
So.......... we are very excited to say that we already have 60 people joining us at our next Commercial Connections event in September. Great conversations. Positive connections. Lovely!
.........you mix the skills of a commercial lawyer and a business alchemist?
I don’t know. What do you get when you mix the skills of a commercial lawyer and a business alchemist?
Better business relationships, more business opportunities and greater peace of mind. That’s what!!!
If you want to access a pragmatic approach to building successful and secure business relationships join us at our unique half day workshop on 17 June.
Have we finally lost the plot at Business Bedfellows?! Railways and Sausage Dogs! Whatever next?! Please be assured dear reader that no plots have been lost during the writing of this blog.
While listening to a recent Radio 4 programme two stories caught our attention. The first bemoaned the heightened costs in the UK’s fragmented railway sector; the other a tale of broken friendship over the ownership of a daschund!
Recently, Ivy Ross, Innovation Officer at Gap, spoke about how innovation begins with genuine connections. Here at Business Bedfellows, we know that these connections are only the start of the journey. In any business, whatever the size, we should spend time nurturing and developing some of these connections into successful business relationships.
We’re really looking forward to helping over 50 businesses make positive connections at our FREE networking event on 19th May in Woking.
