“Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know.” – Jim Rohn
Ever found yourself in a conversation with someone who’s as unfamiliar with your industry as you are with astrophysics? As a Business Relationship Manager (BRM), it’s your job to bridge this knowledge gap, connect the dots, and build a meaningful relationship. It’s challenging, no doubt, but oh so rewarding. Well here’s your roadmap for doing just that.
1. Speak Their Language
Imagine explaining rocket science to a toddler. That’s often what it feels like when you’re dealing with stakeholders who have limited industry knowledge. The first step is to understand where they’re coming from. What are their goals, concerns, and how do they define success? Put on your empathetic hat, ask open-ended questions, and genuinely listen. Understanding their perspective is the bedrock of any fruitful relationship.
2. Cut the Jargon
You may be fluent in your industry’s jargon, but to your stakeholders, it might sound like Klingon. Keep it simple, clear, and free of industry-speak. Use everyday language to explain complex ideas. Analogies, real-life examples, and stories are your best friends here. If you must use a specific term, give a concise explanation. Your aim? Not to showcase your expertise, but to make them understand your role and how you can support them.
3. Educate Gradually & Respectfully
Think of it as teaching someone to swim. You wouldn’t throw them into the deep end, would you? It’s the same with stakeholders. Be respectful, and educate them about your industry and what you bring to the table at their pace. Tailor your information to their level of knowledge. Share insights, best practices, and trends that can help them make informed decisions without overwhelming them. Encourage questions and feedback, and respect their opinions.
4. Collaborate Like a Pro
Don’t be the know-it-all guru handing down wisdom from the mountaintop. Instead, work with your stakeholders to create solutions together. Involve them in defining problems, designing solutions, and measuring success. Get creative. Brainstorm, prototype, test, and adapt. Make them a part of the journey. Celebrate successes and learn from failures side by side.
5. Keep the Conversation Flowing
Effective relationships require consistent communication. Don’t vanish once a project is complete. Maintain regular contact. Update them on progress, outcomes, and impacts. Seek their input, feedback, and satisfaction. Be responsive, reliable, and respectful. Show that you value their partnership beyond just transactions. This builds trust and loyalty.
6. Show, Don’t Just Tell
Ultimately, actions speak louder than words. It’s not just about what you say but what you do. Demonstrate the value of your work and the relationship. Showcase how your solutions align with their goals and alleviate their pain points. Use metrics, success stories, and testimonials to back your claims. Highlight not just the value of your products or services but also how your partnership propels them towards growth and innovation.
In the end, building relationships with stakeholders who are new to your industry is like breaking down complex scientific concepts into digestible pieces. It takes patience, empathy, and a passion for making the complex seem simple. But when you do it right, the bonds you create can drive remarkable success for all involved.
If this makes you feel that you’re ready to dive deeper into the world of Business Relationship Management (BRM)? TaUB Solutions offers comprehensive BRM training courses designed to equip you with the skills to excel as a Business Relationship Manager. Join us today and unlock your potential as a BRM professional!
