5 Ways To Authentically Stand Out From The Flock

You have collected an endless database of contacts. You send them follow-up emails and have interacted with them on social media, but now what? What else can you do to nurture your relationships with them and set the stage for opportunities?

In this digital era, it's easy to put up a status wishing someone a happy birthday or email your condolences to a client whose parent passed away. But that's what everyone does. Doing something offline adds a personal touch and often means more than your condolence email or birthday status. Though these practices were standard before the digital era, they are still relevant today.

Extending a gesture offline put across the perception to the recipients that you care because you took more time to extend the said gesture. But in reality, it isn’t very time-consuming and only takes a little thought and planning.

5 Authentic Ways to Forge Stronger Relationships

1.      Send Out Handwritten Cards

It might not sound like a big deal, but everyone loves receiving a surprise mail that isn't a bill waiting to be paid. What's brilliant about hand-written cards is that they are rare to receive. Not many people go to the trouble of taking out a pen and paper and writing a heartfelt message.

If you have met someone exciting and inspiring at the conference, mail them a card saying how delighted you were to meet them and that you are interested in learning more about what they do.

2.      Invite Someone You Don’t Know Well for Coffee

Inviting someone for a coffee might sound like a standard request, but it isn't as standard as it sounds. Pick 2-3 people from your contact list whom you’d like to know better and ask them out for coffee. Instead of making the time all about business, also take it as an opportunity to learn more about their non-business life. Ask them about their family, their hometown, and their hobbies. Nevertheless, be careful not to get carried away.

3.      Lend a Helping Hand

Have you ever been in a situation where you were invited by a client and watched them scramble to get a few final things done? Instead of standing in a corner and watching them, offer help. Are they struggling to find a box? Or do they need name cards laid out? Did someone just lose their purse? Help them out. Seize every opportunity you get to show that you care.

4.      Bring Treats for Meetings

No one can really deny baked goods or an unexpected latte. However, it doesn't have to be at every meeting. Try bringing treats once in a while to the meetings for attendees. Also, bring a little extra in case, someone you weren't expecting decides to join in.

5.      Use Social Media to Your Advantage

Social media offer you the exciting opportunity to discover information about your contacts you might not otherwise know. Take a genuine interest in their hobbies, the places they frequent, what their kids like, etc. It may come in handy the next time you reach out to them as you can use that information to show that you care. For instance, if you see that they hate coffee, you will know to invite them for tea instead.

Let Your Creativity Take The Lead

Use your creativity to find other ways to connect with people and have them know that you care. Work within your budget, and don't do it to bring in more business or drive leads. Instead, make these thoughtful gestures because you genuinely care. It might be surprising to see how your seeds of kindness bloom.