In today’s competitive market, getting people want to do business with you over others can feel like a daunting task. However, the good news is that it’s not about magic, manipulation, or fancy sales tactics. It’s about building authentic relationships, proving your expertise, and showing clients why they should trust you. This guide will walk you through practical steps to make people not just want, but prefer to do business with you.
1. Be Likable – How People Want to Do Business with You
The simplest truth in business is that people prefer to work with those they like. You may offer the best product in the world, but if you’re hard to work with or come across as arrogant, it’ll turn clients away. Think about the people you enjoy working with. What qualities do they have? Chances are they are friendly, respectful, and make you feel valued.
Being likable isn’t about being fake or overly nice. It’s about being genuine. A great example of this comes from a friend of mine who chose to follow her hairdresser to another city after she relocated. Why? It wasn’t because there were no other hairdressers in town, but because of the personal connection and trust she had built over time.
So, how do you become that likable? Start by being kind. Smile, listen attentively, and engage with your customers. People notice these things, and it can make a huge difference. So those people want to do business with you.
2. Keep Your Word – Build Trust by Doing What You Promise
Nothing erodes trust faster than failing to keep your promises. If you say you’ll deliver something by a certain time, stick to it. The moment your word becomes unreliable, people will hesitate to work with you again. Imagine if you hired a contractor who promised to finish your kitchen by Friday, but come Monday, it’s still not done. That’s frustrating, isn’t it?
On the flip side, you’ll build lasting relationships when you over-deliver. If you promise to complete a task by the end of the week but finish it early, your clients will be pleasantly surprised. They’ll feel more confident in working with you because you’ve proven yourself to be trustworthy and dependable.
3. Show Genuine Interest in Others – People Are Attracted to Empathy
Another key to making people want to do business with you is showing them that you care. No one likes feeling like just another transaction. Make an effort to understand what’s important to your customers. When you show genuine interest, they are more likely to reciprocate that feeling with loyalty.
For instance, let’s say you run a bakery. If you know that a particular customer is celebrating their kid’s birthday, offer a small discount or a personalized cake design. This kind of gesture shows that you see them as more than just a sale; you value them as a person.
A good listener is often more valued than a talker. Keep in mind the saying: “You have two ears and one mouth for a reason.” Let your “customers” people want to do business with you by sharing their needs and challenges, then respond with empathy and understanding.
4. Be an Expert in Your Field – Knowledge Builds Confidence
No one wants to hire someone who doesn’t know their craft inside and out. If you’ve ever walked into a store and the salesperson couldn’t answer any of your questions, you likely left feeling uneasy about the purchase. Expertise matters.
To gain people’s trust, you must position yourself as an expert in your field. You can do this by continuing to learn, attending industry events, taking courses, and staying updated with the latest trends. Share this knowledge with your customers through blogs, social media, and informational resources. When people see that you’re constantly improving and learning, they’ll feel more confident in your abilities.
If a potential customer knows that you’re an expert, people want to do business with you, they’re more likely to turn to you when they need a solution. Don’t hesitate to share your knowledge freely; it’s one of the best ways to build credibility.
5. Mitigate Risks – Make It Easy to Say Yes
People are inherently risk-averse, especially when it comes to financial decisions. No one wants to take a chance on a company they don’t fully trust. You can make it easier for clients to work with you by reducing perceived risks. Offer guarantees, free trials, or samples that let them experience your service without a significant commitment.
A great example of this comes from companies like Amazon, which offers a seamless return policy. Customers know that if they don’t like the product, they can return it without hassle. This confidence leads to more purchases.
You can apply the same principle by offering clear return policies or money-back guarantees. When people want to do business with you, they’ll be more inclined to give you a chance.
6. Be Humble – No One Likes a Showoff
People gravitate towards humility. While confidence in your abilities is important, there’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Be proud of what you do, but don’t boast. Let your work speak for itself.
For example, if you’re a successful entrepreneur, avoid constantly talking about how much money you make. Instead, focus on how your services or products can solve the client’s problem. A humble approach builds stronger, more trustworthy relationships because it shows that you’re in it for the long haul, not just for the money.
7. Make Doing Business Easy – Convenience is King
People want to do business with companies that make their lives easier. A convoluted buying process, confusing website, or poor communication will only push customers away. Streamline your processes as much as possible. Simplify everything from how people can contact you to how they purchase your products or services.
Let’s take an e-commerce store as an example. If your checkout process involves multiple steps, it’s likely that many potential customers will abandon their cart halfway through. In contrast, if you offer a one-click purchase option like Amazon, you’re making it easier for them to complete their transaction, leading to more sales.
By eliminating unnecessary friction, you’re making it easier for people want to do business with you” by building trust, offering value, and creating lasting relationships with clients.
8. Provide Real Value – People Love Solutions, Not Products
Customers don’t just want products; they want solutions to their problems. If you focus on the benefits of your service or product rather than the features, you’ll connect with your audience on a deeper level.
For instance, if you’re selling time-management software, don’t just talk about how many features it has. Emphasize how it can help users save time, reduce stress, and become more productive. Paint a picture of how their life will improve with your product.
By providing real value, your customers will see you as more than just a business. You’ll become a trusted partner who’s genuinely interested in helping them succeed.
9. Engage with Clients – Build Relationships Over Time
Long-term business relationships are built through consistent engagement. Don’t just focus on the transaction—work on building rapport over time. Stay in touch with your clients even after the deal is done. Send thank-you notes, share useful tips, and check in periodically to see how they’re doing.
The relationship shouldn’t end once a sale is made. Engagement fosters loyalty, and loyal clients not only return but also recommend you to others.
10. Delight Your Customers – Go the Extra Mile
In a world where everyone is competing for attention, going the extra mile can set you apart. Whether it’s sending a personalized note, giving a small freebie, or simply remembering their preferences, these small touches can make a big difference.
A company that does this exceptionally well is Zappos. Known for their customer service, they often go above and beyond by upgrading shipping for free or offering unexpected discounts. These little surprises leave customers delighted and eager to do business again.
Conclusion: Win People’s Trust and Business with Confidence
At the end of the day, people want to do business with those they trust, like, and see as experts in their field. By following these steps—being genuine, keeping your promises, and consistently delivering value—you’ll make it easier for people to say yes to working with you.
Building relationships takes time, but when done right, it leads to loyalty and repeat business. Remember, it’s not just about closing a sale. It’s about creating a lasting connection where both you and your clients win.
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