Things You'll Need:
- List of Contacts
- Humbleness
- List of Help You Need
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Step 1
Humble Yourself - It's hard for most of us to admit we need help. But when you ask for help or help someone it builds a much closer relationship than just handing out business cards, so if you want to really grow your business relationships be ready to humble yourself.
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Step 2
Targeted Help - Before you just start asking just any business contact for help you need to write out a list of specific people you would like to build a closer business relationship with.
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Step 3
Targeted Need - In order to build a list of people to help you, you need to know what you need help with. You can't just make something up people will see through that. Identify your top 5 needs and find those experts.
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Step 4
Ask for Help - If it's someone you already have a business relationship and want to grow it, call them. If you don't know them find a mutual friend through LinkedIn or similar networks and send them an e-mail or handwritten note.
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Step 5
Be Specific - When you ask for help be specific on what you need and don't use this to try to sell them something. Have a list of questions ready if you meet with them.
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Step 6
Offer to Pay - If your meeting with someone usually food will be involved, lunch, dinner, breakfast, coffee always offer to pay. They are doing you a favor and will remember you pony' ed up the money.
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Step 7
Thank You - Always let them know you appreciate it; in person, by email or by handwritten thank you card. Always offer to help them if you can.
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Step 8
Loop Back - In a week or two contact them again and let them know how their advice helped you business. This gives you a chance to show your appreciation and grow your business relationship.
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Step 9
Help Others - If you are only a "taker" and never help other people word will get around and you'll find your helping business relationships will dry up. So return the favor to someone else.
