What do you do if your strong interpersonal skills are not translating into business success?

1 Assess Goals

In the face of stagnant business success, it's crucial to reassess your goals. Your interpersonal skills might be top-notch, but if they're not aligned with clear, achievable objectives, they can't propel your business forward. Start by evaluating your business plan and pinpoint the areas where you excel in communication and relationship-building. Then, consider how these areas intersect with your business targets. Are you leveraging your networking abilities to attract the right clientele? Are your negotiation skills helping you close deals effectively? By aligning your interpersonal strengths with specific business outcomes, you can begin to steer your efforts in a direction that promotes growth.

2 Strategy Pivot

If your interpersonal skills aren't translating into business success, it might be time for a strategy pivot. This doesn't mean overhauling your entire business model but rather tweaking it to better utilize your interpersonal strengths. For instance, if you're great at building rapport but your current marketing strategy is heavily automated and impersonal, consider adding more direct engagement with potential clients. Host webinars, offer personalized consultations, or engage in community events. These tactics can showcase your interpersonal skills and help form deeper connections that might lead to business opportunities.

3 Refine Approach

Refining your approach to client interactions could be the key to unlocking the business success that has been eluding you. It's possible that while you have strong interpersonal skills, they may not be effectively tailored to your audience or the specific context of your business. Take a step back and analyze how you communicate with potential and existing clients. Is your messaging clear and aligned with their needs? Are you listening as much as you're speaking? Sometimes, making subtle changes in the way you engage can lead to better understanding of client needs and more tailored solutions, which in turn can improve business outcomes.

5 Networking Nuance

Networking is a cornerstone of business success, but it's not just about the quantity of connections—it's about the quality and relevance. You may have a vast network, but are these connections beneficial to your business? It's important to cultivate relationships that are mutually advantageous and aligned with your business goals. Consider joining industry-specific groups or attending events that are likely to attract your ideal client base. By networking with nuance, you can create a web of contacts that not only appreciates your interpersonal skills but also has the potential to contribute to your business success.

6 Feedback Focus

Lastly, focusing on feedback can provide critical insights into why your interpersonal skills may not be translating into business success. Seek out honest feedback from clients, mentors, or peers about how they perceive your interactions and business offerings. This feedback can reveal gaps in your approach or areas where expectations aren't being met. Use this information constructively to refine your communication style, service delivery, or client engagement strategies. Remember, feedback is a gift that allows you to see your business through the eyes of others and make necessary adjustments.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?