A stellar product or service can take you far, but it's the relationships you have with your customers that fuel real growth in any business.
"I say this all the time: The only thing your competitor can’t copy is your relationship with your client," says Chris Stock, sales expert and founder of Business Institute for Growth.
Making those relationships meaningful is integral as you grow, especially when that growth happens quickly. In building customer relationships there are two aspects to consider, Stock says: understanding who you are and understanding who they are.
What he's referring to is emotional intelligence or EQ. Emotional intelligence means using your emotions and the emotions of those around you to guide your behavior and thoughts as you navigate personal relationships.
EQ is closely tied to relationship skills. Mastering these skills can help you provide a model for your employees to follow as you scale and grow your business at a steady pace.