Director of Client Relationships, Partnerships and Business Development | Card-as-a-Service & Embedded Finance Expert | Simplifying Fintech Adoption through Collaboration and Innovation
Have you ever felt like you're talking to a wall? Whether it's in partner meetings, sales calls, or even conversations with your kids, we've all been there. The frustration when the other person just doesn't seem to listen is natural. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧? In my years managing partner relationships, I've learnt this truth: 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐧'𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞. It has pivoted my success, especially in feedback conversations, big time. Here's the deal—Caring is easy. It is showing that their win is your win. Just last month, I was on this call with a partner, and they felt a bit disinterested. Instead of going on about our agenda, I asked them, "Hey, what's the biggest headache you're dealing with right now?" And, they opened up! Turns out, they were wrestling with a supply chain issue. Nothing to do with our partnership, but it was really messing with their business. So, what did I do? I listened. Really listened. Jotted down some notes. And then I said, "You know what? Let me see and connect you with an expert I know." Made that introduction. A week later? Their problem solved. You should've seen our next call. Night and day difference! They were full of energy, bursting with ideas about how we could work together. One small act of genuine care, and it changed everything. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬. I believe in it because I have seen it. We’re all humans. Before revenue, we seek connection and meaning in our relationships. That’s what showing care establishes. 📢As much as it’s about closing deals or hitting targets; it's about LISTENING and building relationships that last. Here's how I show our partners I care— ➡️ I chat with them regularly - yes, even the grumpy ones! ➡️ I listen to their feedback, wishes, and concerns (no matter how small) ➡️ I make sure their voice is heard within our company ➡️ Most importantly, celebrate wins, no matter how big or small It's like being a caring parent in a business setting. ↳ You listen. ↳ You understand. ↳ You act. The result? ✅ Partners who feel HEARD and VALUED ✅ A stronger, more aligned partnership ✅ A queue of partners willing to collaborate ✅ Insights that drive our business forward This approach isn't just for business. It works in any situation where you need to connect and communicate effectively. It works in sales calls when the other party isn't responding as you'd hoped. It works with your children when you're trying to guide them. 📍So, the next time you're in a challenging conversation, SHOW them you care. 📍What's your experience with partner feedback loops and showing care in professional relationships? #PartnerManagement #Listening #BusinessDevelopment #Communication #Feedback
Director of Client Relationships, Partnerships and Business Development | Card-as-a-Service & Embedded Finance Expert | Simplifying Fintech Adoption through Collaboration and Innovation
3moEver had a small piece of feedback lead to a big change? Or a moment where showing you cared turned a relationship around? I'm excited to learn all about them! Drop them in the comments.