Professional communicators create careers based on the relationships they build. Let’s face it: Relationships tend to work better when you’re nice.
“Nice” is actually putting it too simply. Good relationships form when two people connect on a human level, with respect and honesty. One way to think about the qualities and habits it takes to forge and maintain strong relationships in the world of public relations is to consider how people get along—or don't—in a small town.
Here’s why.
News travels fast.
People talk, whether it's within the world of public relations or a tiny town. You can’t do something you don’t want the whole town to know about, simple as that. By that same token, if you do something nice for a journalist or colleague, pretty soon there will be a whole slew of folks looking to form relationships knocking at your door. People like people who aren’t going to screw them over in the end.
Relationships are built by people, not robots.
Getting back to the basics of relationship building means looking at your overall approach. A robotic routine probably won’t take you very far at a lunch meeting, but connecting on a neighborly level will likely do the trick. Show your genuine side. Let your emotions show. Be vulnerable. Make people laugh or empathizing with them. Just be real. Even in a corporate setting, the charm that comes with an authentic personality is invaluable.
People connect with modesty and intention.
In small towns, no one is too good for anyone else. The most engaging people make others feel like they are the most important people in the room. Taking interest in a conversation and not constantly glancing over to see who the next person to walk in will be shows true character. This doesn’t mean abandoning the rest of the crowd for one new relationship. Simply remember to be present in each conversation. Making people feel special will leave a lasting impression.
Take a small-town approach at your next mixer instead of conversing superficially. Your existing relationships will grow stronger, and new ones will spark. You might just land the client or placement of your dreams.
“Nice” is actually putting it too simply. Good relationships form when two people connect on a human level, with respect and honesty. One way to think about the qualities and habits it takes to forge and maintain strong relationships in the world of public relations is to consider how people get along—or don't—in a small town.
Here’s why.
News travels fast.
People talk, whether it's within the world of public relations or a tiny town. You can’t do something you don’t want the whole town to know about, simple as that. By that same token, if you do something nice for a journalist or colleague, pretty soon there will be a whole slew of folks looking to form relationships knocking at your door. People like people who aren’t going to screw them over in the end.
Relationships are built by people, not robots.
Getting back to the basics of relationship building means looking at your overall approach. A robotic routine probably won’t take you very far at a lunch meeting, but connecting on a neighborly level will likely do the trick. Show your genuine side. Let your emotions show. Be vulnerable. Make people laugh or empathizing with them. Just be real. Even in a corporate setting, the charm that comes with an authentic personality is invaluable.
People connect with modesty and intention.
In small towns, no one is too good for anyone else. The most engaging people make others feel like they are the most important people in the room. Taking interest in a conversation and not constantly glancing over to see who the next person to walk in will be shows true character. This doesn’t mean abandoning the rest of the crowd for one new relationship. Simply remember to be present in each conversation. Making people feel special will leave a lasting impression.
Take a small-town approach at your next mixer instead of conversing superficially. Your existing relationships will grow stronger, and new ones will spark. You might just land the client or placement of your dreams.
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