Many small business owners make the mistake of not getting to know their bankers until they need to borrow. Granted today’s economic climate makes borrowing difficult but you further complicate matters if your banker doesn’t know who you are.
Five tips for building a relationship with your banker:
- Find out who the lenders are and where they work, branch or main office.
- Introduce yourself at chamber and other networking events.
- Invite your banker to events either at your company or as your guest.
- Put your banker on the list to receive your newsletter and updates about your business.
- Send articles and other relevant information to help your banker stay informed.
It’s important to know not just your banker but their associates. Given the consolidation in the financial services industry your banker might be gone with no notice.
