Building quality business relationships is one of the cornerstones of business.  How we relate to our clients and to others will impact us not just in the present but also in our future business.

I think that we can all agree that having good communication skills is one of the key qualities towards building the type of relationships we are looking for.  What are the key components of good communication and quality relationships?

1. Be fully present when you are having a conversation with someone.  How often, during the course of a conversation does your mind wander?  Sometimes we are caught up in solving a problem with another sale, trying to rush to make our next appointment or mentally making a list of other things we need to accomplish.
2. 2. Listen, listen, listen!!!  All of us by nature love to know that we are being listened to, and heard.  It’s part of who we are – how would you rate your own listening skills?  When you are in a conversation with someone, simply try focusing your attention on that person and truly listen to what they are saying.  Most often, there is much more information coming from an individual than we allow ourselves to hear. We are trained to respond with the appropriate response to overcome whatever the objection seems to be. What would happen if you listened for what else might be there for your client, perhaps an unspoken fear or desire? Understanding that our job is to listen, get curious and ask questions will take both you and your client to your desired outcomes far quicker than pulling the magic response out of your bag of objection handling techniques.
3. Be open to what you can learn about yourself.  Typically when we get feedback from someone, most of us go immediately to a defensive position that can lead to even greater disagreements. 
4. Be responsible for yourself and your actions.  Imagine how differently the public would have viewed Bill Clinton if he had immediately taken responsibility for his actions with Monica Lewinsky instead of vehemently denying that any misdeed had occurred.

As you continually improve your communication skills, you will notice not just an increase of confidence in your business dealings but how these same skills will flow over into your personal relationships as well.