In life, you can’t be appreciated by everyone. The sooner we accept this fact, the sooner we can live on our own terms and with the kind of self-justified confidence that helps us grow. However, it’s also true that our conduct can make our interactions in the world generally more positive than they would have been. For example, not every date you go on will be a success, but if you’re polite, welcoming, open, honest, and not too desperate to be perfect, the chances of you connecting with the other person are much higher.
The same goes in the business world. It’s easy to see the commercial space as a web of technical detail and capital flow, but a staggering amount of it is defined via relationships and fruitful connections.
In this way, you may be able to increase your B2B connections, sales or onboarding rate by avoiding scaring away your clients, and always starting with your bst foot forward. In this post, we’ll discuss some areas where you may wish to begin:
Being Approachable From The Start
People can tell when they’re being sold to, and nobody likes feeling like a target. As such, a good first impression in business is more about openness than persuasion. If you come across as too polished, overly rehearsed, or pushing an agenda, it puts people on edge and you don’t seem like a real person, even if your business isn’t a purpose. It’s better to focus on approaching interactions with genuine curiosity and a willingness to listen, as that sets the stage for a much smoother relationship.
This applies to everything from a sales pitch to an introductory email. A casual, human tone goes a long way in making people comfortable. It’s why this post is written in an easygoing tone so the advice sits more naturally, and it doesn’t feel like hard work to read. There are some places for that kind of technical copy, but sometimes, you just need to be human. So at your next meeting, instead of jumping straight into what you offer, it helps to show you know their needs first.
If the interaction is in person, having a relaxed posture, steady eye contact, and a welcoming attitude can do more for rapport than any sales script ever could. Better yet, you’re not acting like some kind of pick-up artist that has read too much material about sealing the deal, you come across as someone who is easy to work with and open.
Approach With Confidence & Humility
No matter what the business influencers tell you, overconfidence can be off-putting. No one enjoys dealing with someone who acts like they have all the answers, they can never experience a hitch, or that they always know better instead of interfacing with their clients. The best business relationships are built on mutual respect, which means leaving room for the other person’s expertise and opinions too, and even using that to enrich your own approach.
A confident but humble approach reassures clients that they’re dealing with someone competent without making them feel talked down to, or as if you’re unsure of your abilities. If you’re explaining your service or product, it’s often better to frame it as a conversation rather than a lecture.
Avoiding Pressure & Desperation
High-pressure tactics might work in the short term when you’re trying to sell a car, but they rarely build the kind of trust that leads to long-lasting business relationships, especially in the B2b space where your client knows all the tricks. Moreover, if a client senses desperation, it makes them question why you’re so eager, for instance, they may ask, are you struggling to get business? Is your offer not as good as it seems?
A more effective approach is to provide clear, valuable information and let them come to their own conclusions. If what you’re offering is worthwhile, it will stand on its own without the need for pushy persuasion, and sometimes, knowing when to walk away from a deal is just as important as knowing when to push forward. This also helps you retain your professional dignity, which is wise.
Clarity Over Jargon
There’s nothing wrong with industry-specific language until it makes communication harder instead of easier, as people tune out quickly when they feel like they need a translator just to follow a conversation. Of course, unless you’re talking specifics, dimension and technical compatibility, it’s important to be precise there.
However, as you structure the relationship, remember that simple, direct language doesn’t mean dumbing things down but making sure your message is actually getting across. This way you can interface with your counterpart’s PA or advertise to a wider base without necessarily putting people off.
Following Up Without Being Overbearing
No one enjoys being ghosted, but there’s a fine line between following up and becoming a nuisance, like a bad date that won’t leave you alone. We’d recommend a single polite check-in as it’s often appreciated, but it also gives them space to politely let you down if needed.
Also make sure to ask them if they had any questions or needed any further clarification as opposed to asking if there was anything you could have done better. Sometimes not seeming too clingy could help you secure the client next time. Maybe it’s just not the right time for them, or they were browsing competitors. You have to be dignified here.
Being Someone People Want To Work With
People do business with those they like and trust. The same goes for hiring, two candidates can be the same on paper, but one with a good attitude and who isn’t afraid to be friendly and conversational will probably get the job offer.
A solid product or service matters, but so does how you make people feel, so don’t be afraid to offer all the complimentary graces like free coffee, or even booking a car for a B2b client from the airport. If they can’t make it in person, gracefully applying B2b appointment setting can help. It helps to be hospitable, as always.
With this advice, you’re sure to avoid scaring away vital B2b connections and clients for the better.
