Professional relationships are the cornerstone of all successful business. In this column we will examine the five rules that you must always follow to build long term professional relationships which will increase your personal and organizational success. To leave out any of the following rules is to operate from a disadvantageous position and hinder your accomplishments, and your growth.

1) Operate with an altruistic mindset

The most important key to creating long term professional relationships is your ability to provide value to the relationship. Never enter into an association with another person thinking of what you can get out of it; think of what you can bring to the relationship and how you will be of service or assistance to others. This sounds easy, but for some, it is not. This is the single biggest factor in creating successful professional relationships. Without this mindset, all efforts to create a professional relationship are futile.

2) Have a Sincere Interest in Others

You must have a sincere interest in others and their needs. You cannot "fake" sincerity. The nice thing is you don't need to. Just be genuinely interested in people. Without a genuine interest in others, you will never develop a trusting professional relationship with them. This is relatively easy to adopt this trait. Once you have developed this characteristic, make sure you exhibit it. Be sure to speak of others interests, to question them about their needs, desires, profession, and if appropriate, about their family. Make the other party the priority of the conversation.

I was recently speaking with a client and after discussing their event, their objectives, their audience and ultimately what they desired as a result of our program, she said, "You know, I have not spoken to anyone who would be better for this program." The fact of the matter was I said very little throughout our entire conversation. I questioned her regarding her needs and provided an honest assessment of how I could help her achieve her goals for the event. By listening, understanding and having a sincere interest in her goals, we established a wonderful professional relationship that will be mutually beneficial.

3) Always Provide Open, Honest Communication

In this day and age it seems more and more people are less inclined to provide open and honest communication. They are worried they may say something that may possibly sound ignorant or not be what others want to hear. It's important you always provide honest communication, otherwise your professional relationship will never develop. Many individuals are surrounded by colleagues, clients and vendors that are so busy saying what they think others want to hear, they fail to establish themselves. If you don't express yourself honestly, you can never establish your own character, your own self-worth and bring value to the relationship.

Never say anything that is not true or make any promises you cannot deliver. If you do, your relationship will be very hard to ever get back on track. By making promises you can't facilitate or telling half-truths or outright lies, you will only project to the other party that you are not dependable.

Communicating openly and honestly does not mean you dominate the conversation or you become argumentative. Nor does this mean you should under-serve your client. It means you converse honestly, sharing your opinions and ideas that will benefit others and create an environment of honesty and reliability, thereby creating a worthy relationship.

4) Always Treat Others with Respect

No one likes to be talked down to or treated in a disrespectful manner. Always make sure when your conversing with others that you respect their ideas, thoughts and needs. It is not important you agree with their perspective. It is important that you listen, understand and develop respect for their position.

I attended a sales meeting in California that began with the Branch Manager belittling the sales staff whose sales figures were below expectations. He then went on to hand out severe insults to many in the room. He finished by telling everyone in the sales department, both men and women, that their requested meal had been changed. He changed their orders from what they selected to quiche, because, he said, "real men do not eat quiche."

Obviously this is an extreme case of disrespect and sexism, but there are people out there who treat others in this fashion. It was no surprise that after these inappropriate remarks, the branch sales continued it's downward spiral, and the Branch Manager was ultimately replaced. Never treat anyone with a lack of respect. It will destroy your professional relationships, and your organization.

5) Adopt a Positive, Professional Attitude

You control your attitude, so why have anything but a positive disposition? With a positive demeanor you will develop allies, achieve more professionally and you will be happier, healthier and more successful.

We all know people who view life as a constant obstacle course and who are filled with negativity and cynicism. These individuals do not achieve as much as those who remain positive and up beat. There will always be days where stress and unexpected issues develop. Your ability to view these situations as opportunities rather than hardships will establish yourself as someone who is strong of character and fitting of the trust of a professional relationship. No one wants to support, or develop relationships with those who drain energy and spread negativity.

By following these five rules you will be putting efforts into developing solid, long term relationships that will be beneficial to others. As you help others, you will soon experience the rewards of your efforts two fold due to the law of reciprocity. You will find more support from your staff, and more prospective clients acquiring your products and services. In addition, your accomplishments will increase, your skills will be highly valued and you will be recognized as your personal and professional success grow.

Geoffrey Ronning is a speaker and consultant who teaches clients how to efficiently create professional relationships and improve employee relations.

This knowledge creates less hostile work environments with higher output
and teaches organizations how to quickly and easily acquire trust and
rapport to develop long term customers.

You can reach Geoffrey at: (623) 476-2437 or online via the contact page.