How to Use Strategic Relationship Building Techniques To Boost Your Revenue

Small shifts in how you connect can unlock exponential growth for your business. But not everyone knows these strategic relationship-building techniques. Instead of chasing cold leads, imagine activating a network that feels like a personal board of advisors.

In this article, you will learn about several proven relationship building techniques to transform everyday conversations into revenue opportunities.

Recent Strategy Talks guest Jillian Vorce is the founder of The Jillian Group host of the One Handshake podcast and author of the TEDx talk “The Lens of Connectivity.”

For more than 25 years she has advised executive teams on strategy and grown her own business entirely through inbound referrals. People call her the Chief Handshaker because she turns every encounter into an opportunity to connect.

relationship building Techniques through the lens of connectivity

Jillian introduced me to what she calls the lens of connectivity during her first TEDx talk. She shared a moment from a coffee shop conversation that led to a speaking invitation.

“I was listening to a strategic planning consultant and asked a question that sparked our connection. Within weeks I had my first TEDx slot confirmed,” she said. "That experience taught me that active listening and genuine curiosity are the foundation of effective relationship building."

relationship building by mapping your vital connections

Many entrepreneurs concentrate on customer acquisition but overlook other critical allies. Jillian’s framework of 10 Vital Business Relationships charts stakeholders like strategic partners community leaders suppliers and media contacts.

“When you map these connections you discover new collaboration opportunities,” she told me. I realized that a broader relationship building approach reveals hidden paths to growth.

measuring sustainable ROI through partnerships

Return on investment is about more than immediate sales numbers. It is also about alignment with your long term vision.

I asked Jillian how to measure the ROI of relationship building. She reminded me that tactics promising rapid results often feel inauthentic. “A relationship driven approach builds consistency and sustainable growth even if you relinquish control over timing,” she explained. I find that tracking referrals repeat business and deeper partnerships offers a truer measure of success.

showing up and listening to uncover opportunities

Moving internationally during the pandemic showed Jillian that relationship building transcends culture. “I started with a single contact in Europe and rebuilt my network one handshake at a time by showing up listening and learning,” she said.

Whether I am meeting a team member a vendor or a senior executive I begin by acknowledging the person before me. That simple act builds trust and uncovers new opportunities.

relationship building Techniques in practice

Choose one overlooked category such as community organizations or internal teams and commit to a listening call this week.

Block 15 minutes ask open ended questions about their priorities and explore ways to help without asking for anything in return. Track both revenue impact and qualitative outcomes like referrals and collaboration offers.

As I often remind myself relationship building starts with one meaningful conversation.

Ten ChatGPT Prompts TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

• How can I start relationship building with community leaders in my industry

• What questions lead to deeper connections during networking events

• How do I track the long term ROI of relationship building

• What are the best follow up practices after an initial meeting

• How do I involve my team in a relationship building strategy

• What tools can support relationship building with suppliers and partners

• How do I rebuild relationships after relocating or restructuring my business

• What pitfalls should I avoid when offering introductions in my network

• How can I coach employees to embrace relationship building

• What creative tactics enhance relationship building in a virtual world