LIFE/WORK BALANCE

Let’s face it. It can be difficult to build and grow relationships while managing a busy schedule. I want to have a meaningful connection with everyone I meet. But with limited time, how do I accomplish it?

To tackle the “time versus relationship building” challenge, I interviewed the doctors at Ballenger Chiropractic & Acupuncture in West Des Moines.

As I listened and later thought more about what they shared, I created this visual model to reflect our conversation.

• Initially, the client may be hesitant or reserved (blue). The business spends a greater amount of time connecting (green), to help build trust.

• Further around the cycle, time invested emphasizes teaching and sharing (brown), with the aim to add long-term value. Trust increases and the relationship grows.

• The time invested results in a strong, trust relationship (blue is thicker now). This leads to satisfaction, loyalty, and referrals.

I love it.

From my chat with the practice’s doctors, Lucas and Alexandria Ballenger, I also gleaned five simple tips to help balance the importance of client relationships and limited time.

1. Learn to read people. Some clients want to talk. Some want a little quiet in their day. Both are fine.

2. Eliminate the “dead space” in your workflow. It’s not about being a mill or manufacturing plant, but there is something to be said for efficiency and productivity. Every business can find ways to improve, with a little creative thinking and willingness to try new things.

3. Serve as many people as you can, without letting the quality of their experience falter. Find creative ways to serve more people, and do it really well.

4. Have a clear purpose when you connect. Avoid asking a question that isn’t meaningful, such as “How is the weather?” Instead, take an interest in your clients’ activities, families or professions.

5. Maximize the time you have. Sometimes this means learning how to connect with people while you work. Yes, multitask, but do so without impeding quality.

What might you add to the list?

Did the visual model resonate with you? If so, why? Go online to the Iowa Biz Blog here http://bit.ly/mhREtf to leave me a comment.

IowaBiz.com is a business blog written by Central Iowa experts, each focusing on a specific industry, providing fresh content relevant to and useful for small businesses.

Jocelyn Wallace Owner of Red Eleven Group LLC
E-mail: jocelyn@jocelynwallace.com  |  Twitter: @jocelynwallace_