39 Ways to Improve Your Relationships

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Several of you have asked that we review some of the basic tips for rapidly accelerating and deepening your relationships. Here are a few to consider:

  1. Be HUMBLE!!!!
  2. Set a casual tone and find ways to reduce formality
  3. Plan your conversations to create value and increase intimacy
  4. Never leave without a reason to return
  5. Look for clues in emails
  6. Reference a common connection
  7. Conduct relational research in advance
  8. Call connections JUST to stay in touch
  9. Mix business and social
  10. Add one new connection every day
  11.  Ask why, not what
  12.  Set-up Google Alerts for important contacts
  13.  Ask for introductions from people you already know
  14.  Check if other connections will be at planned events
  15.  Find ways to become a host
  16.  Discover common interests and passions
  17.  Know their problems before they have to tell you (i.e. listen to investor calls)
  18.  Send informative emails with info they can use
  19.  Ask for help
  20.  Endorse your contact on LinkedIn
  21.  Make introductions of value to your connections
  22.  Create your own holiday and send notes to out-of-contact, contacts
  23.  Get to know your contact’s biggest customers
  24.  Find ways to report back – create ‘work trial’
  25.  Ask for coaching or mentorship
  26.  Offer coaching or mentorship
  27.  Share new things about your interests with your contact
  28.  Review contact’s work history and education for commonalities or contact links
  29.  Look for YouTube videos of your contact’s speeches or interviews
  30.  Discover and read the articles and books your contact has written or enjoys
  31.  Check out your contact on Facebook
  32.  Always follow-up quickly with a summary of discussion and next meeting
  33.  Give compliments freely and publically – Tweet about your contact
  34.  Never-ever gossip about anyone
  35.  Give permission to use your first name as soon as possible
  36.  Send picture of events you’ve attended together or of common interests
  37.  Include your families whenever possible
  38.  Tell stories about your life and the lessons you’ve learned
  39.  Be there when they need you and you have nothing to gain

As always, feel free to reach out to me directly at Jeff@jeffkaplan.com.

Stay connected,

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