There’s a bit of a dirty word in business that I don’t particularly like, but I know that it holds significant value and that’s networking. I must admit, I’m not very experienced with networking, but I’m quickly starting to realise the benefit of such a skill when starting a new venture.

Something that I am more experienced with is how to avoid burning bridges. i.e the metaphor that relates to breaking potentially useful business relationships. Relationships are vital in business, so I’ll share some of my thoughts and tips to avoid tarnishing relationships.

I do my best to get on with everyone. I’m not bothered if everyone likes me or not, but I do try really hard to be pleasant and respectful of everyone I encounter. I generally do it because it’s a nice way to be to others. If you believe in karma, which I do to a certain extent, the old adage “what goes around, comes around” has a surprisingly truthful edge to it. If you want to get biblical, “love thy neighbour” is just as valid.

When it comes to business, I personally sense there’s a strong suspicion that everyone is out to get what they can. With some individuals I’ve dealt with, I’ve certainly felt that they’re attempting to take advantage of me, which I don’t allow to happen. As a result, I lose trust in that individual straight away, and they end up burning a bridge (i.e. relationship) with me.

Here are a few simple tips to consider when you engage others so that you don’t jeopardise any new or existing business relationships.

1. Be friendly, courteous and respectful

This one sounds obvious, but it isn’t common practice in my experience. Be friendly to everyone where you can, this might include biting your lip when you’re tempted to say something nasty. Communication should be respectful and personal.

I’ve received many emails that have not been tailored to me, yet they still offer a business proposition they expect me to accept. If someone hasn’t put any effort into the communication, I believe that they don’t value me as a business contact. Oh, and the number of emails I get with poor grammar, spelling or written in the imperative (ordering me what to do)… shocking really. That burns a bridge with me.

2. Honour agreements, stick to deadlines

If you say you’re going to do something, do it. If you’re going to deliver by a certain date, do it. Things go wrong, I accept that. However, taking the time to explain potential issues and delays, as well as the steps taken to address the problem are invaluable ways of maintaining a relationship if something goes wrong. Again, communication is the key.

3. Asking for more that you’re willing to offer

All relationships in an ideal world should be balanced. For example, I was recently asked to give a commercial website a sitewide link from one of my sites. I was offered a link on a link partners page in return. Link partners pages are very low quality link locations. So I was asked to give more than they were willing to offer themselves. That individual did not come back with a counter-offer, i.e. they did not make the effort to understand how they could find a mutually beneficial deal. That burnt a bridge with me.

This is no perfect world, but I won’t put myself in less-advantaged position just because someone else wants to exploit my good nature.

On a related note, I’ve been offering eco blogs a free guest blog post in return for a link to my sites. There have been some very generous individuals who have given me more than I asked for (i.e. more link juice). Not only has that impressed me, I now have a positive impression of that individual. Therefore I’m more likely to help them in the future if I can. A great way to establish a relationship.

In closing

What my point is all about is basically consider every business contact as someone you may deal with in the future. Don’t jeopardise the relationship, do what you can to maintain it.

You never know, that relationship may be the key platform for launching something significant in the future.