Q. How do you build strong relationships with your business partners?
You have to listen to others — others who work for you and other advisers you might have, like your lawyer, your banker and your insurance people — generally people you do business with.
Ask them questions. See what you’re doing correct or wrong. If it’s an industry type, just ask how they feel you are doing compared to your competition. Are you doing as good as they are, better than they are? What are your strong points and weak points?
If you’re talking to your banker, it’s pretty much the same thing. Are you weak with money? Find out if you are spending too much or not spending enough.
Q. What are some of the things you can do to be a better listener?
There’s really no techniques, it’s just something where you have to shut up every once in awhile and let them talk. It is a learned technique, but it’s pretty simple. You just have to be quiet and let them talk.
When you give somebody a job, let them do the job. I found out when I started growing my company that it was easy to let me do their job. They didn’t know whether to tell me to get out of their part of the business or not. They’re thinking, ‘You own the company.’
If you get involved, the next thing you know you’ll be doing it all anyway. I have two sons here, and I have to step back once in awhile. We don’t reinvent the wheel, though. You have to remember the mistake has been made; let’s not do it repetitively.
Q. How do you make yourself step back and let people do their jobs?
Think how you’d like to be treated. If you were given a job to do, would you like someone looking over your shoulder constantly? Or would you like someone who would let you go ahead and do the job and then discuss it?
Get your job done, turn it in and discuss it then.
How to reach: Kirberg Co., (314) 534 4444 or www.kirberg.com
