Relationships are the key to success in every field. Here are my top 20 ways to help create an effective business relationship.

• Find a point of commonality
• Build on trust
• The little things count (like remembering birthdays or anniversaries)
• Don’t sell all the time
• Stay in touch
• Don’t be annoying
• Make relationship building a goal
• Perfect your social skills
• Don’t focus on just what you can contribute, but on how your skills dovetail
• Get out of the office
• Phone and computer connection is too impersonal
• Face to face is critical
• Show empathy
• Find personal time in the relationship
• Offer your time and help when needed
• Listen effectively (ask what they may need)
• Have a sense of humor
• Be a great observer
• Don’t always ask for something
• Don’t promise what you can’t deliver

In any good relationship, your word is your bond, but actions often speak louder. Be sure to treat people in a way you’d expect to be treated yourself when you first meet them. That’s the best rule of all.