Business is all about relationships; no matter what line of work you’re in.

Even if you consider yourself to be a left brain techie who works discreetly in a back office role, you have stakeholders; people for whom your work is of value. Without someone to buy, sell or in some way develop the work that you do, your efforts have no purpose; and without that you would probably not have been employed.

Moreover, for our own sanity we need to feel we are making a contribution. Whilst I have met people who were disenfranchised with their employer, I’ve yet to come across someone who doesn’t go to work with the best of intentions.

We all want to make a difference and relationships make that possible.

In order that we can respond appropriately to the evolving needs of our stakeholders we must be aware of what’s happening in their world. Of course, that is so much easier to do these days with a myriad of information being readily available on the Internet. I read recently that 2 million blogs are posted every single day!

For all its benefits, I think technology can cause us to lose the human touch and nothing says ‘I’m thinking of you’ better than putting pen to paper. Christmas is the obvious opportunity to do this; given that it’s the one time of year when our thoughts turn to those we haven’t seen or spoken to in a while.

Whatever gesture you normally make round about now, why not take it one step further. And whilst you’re at it make a commitment to reach out again well before next December!

Remember, people do business with people they know, like and trust; and nothing builds trust better than a person demonstrating that they genuinely care.