Strong connections can also lead you to incredible opportunities.

Now when we know the importance, let’s discuss the key elements for building solid relationships!

1. Show interest in others

Showing interest in the other person, their world, and what they might be interested in is an early step to gaining respect. A good way to do it so is to take part in the conversation, ask short questions and share your point of view.

You can also try to notice things about a person that will help you in starting the conversation with them.

2. Mindful listening

Sometimes we can’t wait for the other person to finish their talk so we could share our own experience, but stop yourself from interrupting and try to get genuinely interested in a person's life. Listen carefully to what they have to say.

This practice can be especially hard for extroverts, but try to practice it with your friends or partner and repeat back to them what they just said.

3. Introduce your colleagues

The goal is to create cooperative connections and realize business opportunities that mutually benefit both parties. For example, if you are in a middle of a conversation with a colleague who is in a search of a graphic designer, and you have a great graphic designer in your network, then make sure to invite him into the meeting where you can introduce them to each other.

It can be a group call or an introduction email. Be a business match-maker and people will never forget you.

4. Maintain your relationships

It sounds basic but we often forget that we need to maintain those relationships too.

Check-in on people you have not talked to for a while. If they are online contacts on social media, start a chat with me. If you have swapped business cards with someone, send them an email or make a call. If you are a manager, make sure to sometimes go and greet your team members personally.

5. Appreciation

Who doesn’t love to be appreciated?

Everyone from your boss to intern wants to feel that they are respected and valued. So, genuinely compliment the people around you when they do something well.

Praise will always lead to great work relationships.

6. Get personal

Do you want to get a person to trust you? Then get a bit personal.

Identify some mutual interests and passions, then share some relatable or funny stories from your life on that particular subject. You can even invite them to meet you after work to get to know each other better.

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