Business relationships...

[spartanic]

What is involved with obtaining and maintaining a business relationship? Are these relationships entirely kept on a professional level or are they to be treated as how you would with your regular buddies? Perhaps both ways?

[darkman]

I would first start out by networking with other like minded individuals (like your doing now ) and continue to act how you would like to be perseved. In 'maintaining' the relationship, just be professional and friendly, I wouldn't necessarily act like you would with your buddies but if you stay in touch and continue the 'relationship' for any length of time formalities will eventually dissipate.

just be polite, friendly and respectful

[ltressel]

Darkman is right. You can gauge the person by how they progress into the business relationship. Some would like to keep the level strictly business then you keep that mode going. If they loosen up, you don't want to keep fronting that you're uptight.

Make your adjustments as they change and I'm sure they will do the same.


LT

[SAMG]

I always say keep it pro in the early stages, and follow my golden rule. "don't try it, till they do" basically if they start talking about everyday things, not to do with business, then you can too. If they start swearing, then you can to, if they keep it strictly business, then you should too. You need to feel them out, and see how they act first. I am only 23, and I have a partner that I have known over 3 years, and been working on several deals for about a year now, and it first started by him being my boss when I was an assistant manager at Advance Auto parts. He is very much into his church and so on, and doesnt swear or talk bad about anything, and I am complete opposite, I say whats on my mind. But we are best of buddies on the side also, because we have developed the lines on not what to cross.

[SAMG]

P.S. the point in saying my age, was because my partner is 47years old.

[syia]

Polite is the key here and share your knowledge..

[zoobie]

I say, professional level. If you are close friends with your business partner, one would tend to take advantage of the other. So the business will be affected.

Just be professional and treat the person nicely.