Intimacy In Business
We don’t often talk about intimacy in the business world. However, how can you not when intimacy is a critical component of any successful, long term relationship.
In the workplace we need to look at how we create and maintain intimacy with our clients, our team, our suppliers, and our partners. Creating intimacy means taking the relationship to a level that is win-win for both parties, that is mutually fulfilling.
Here are some ideas on what you can do to create intimacy and deepen the relationship…
- When was the last time you took your best client out to lunch or dinner or did something out of the office? What about your top 5 clients? Wouldn’t it make sense to make an investment in getting to know that client outside of the transaction, to connect on a personal level?
- Do you know what your client is passionate about? How about sending them an article, a book or information about a speaker or event related to their passion?
- When was the last time you told a team member or a supplier that they are doing a great job? Or thanked them for putting in the extra effort and praised the work they did?
- How about sending a note of gratitude or thank you card when you notice something they are doing well? Or asking them to share their successes with the team and let them be the expert, the hero?
These are just a few ideas that will build intimacy. People need to feel appreciated and to know that they belong. If you are already doing these things than kudos to you! Look for opportunities to mix it up and keep it fresh.
As the saying goes: “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”
YOUR CHALLENGE: Choose one client, one partner, or one team member that you want to create intimacy with. Then do it. Send them a note, schedule time together, reach out and deepen the relationship.
If you would like to learn more about how this might apply to your business, let’s talk:
