In today’s Internet-focused society, it’s become quite easy to set up and maintain bank accounts, lines of credit — even loans — without ever setting foot in a bank. But in the long run, there are significant benefits to be had by building a long-term, personal, financial and business relationship with both a bank and its employees.

“Know your banker because that’s going to get you some extra mileage,” said Keith Baggerly, vice president and branch manager at Timberland Bank’s Silverdale office.

As branch manager, Baggerly is often called upon to resolve customer issues. The first question he usually asks is, “Who is this person?” If bank employees have a relationship with that customer, it can simplify things significantly. Plus bank customers that interact regularly with bank employees may enjoy more personalized service than those who shun the teller windows for the ATM or online banking all the time, or who switch banks regularly shopping for rates.

Establishing long-term relationships with a bank also includes keeping the bank and its employees fully informed about what the business does, from the products it offers to its cash flow.

“I think it’s important to share quite a bit,” said David Johnson, president and CEO of Westsound Bank. “Knowledge is the key to banking.”

If a banker doesn’t understand the fundamental nature of a business, including customer bases, cash flow cycles, equipment needs, even employee numbers and space requirements, it is difficult for them to price products and structure loans that will help the business be successful.

“If we do a short term loan that’s due in two weeks, and the business only gets paid on a 45 or 90 day cycle, then we’ve set them up to fail,” said Johnson.

Johnson encourages the loan officers at Westsound Bank to visit customers’ businesses and “kick the tires,” walk through the business with the bank customer and get a real understanding for how that business ticks.

It’s not hard to establish this type of relationship with bank employees. One-on-one interaction on a regular basis is about all business owners need to do, paying particular attention to four important factors that are required in any relationship: communication, honesty, trust and time.

“[The relationship] doesn’t happen instantly,” said Mary Hoover, vice president and branch manager of American Marine Bank’s Silverdale office. “You get to know each other personally and professionally, you learn the customer’s likes and dislikes.”

As she learns more about a customer, Hoover can then help that customer find the right financial tools to improve their personal and business finances.

“We’re not out to sell a particular product,” she said, “It becomes more about helping that customer and that customer’s business.”

“Communication is probably the prime word,” said Baggerly, when it comes to building a relationship between a business and its bank. This communication can range from discussing everyday banking transactions to addressing issues that might arise with your account. For example, banks are more than willing to work with customers who may need guidance on balancing their checkbook. But the time to ask for that assistance is before the account is overdrawn.

Hoover also notes that maintaining all your accounts at one bank — personal, business, wealth management and so on — is a great way to build that relationship.

“When a customer has all their accounts at our bank, we really know a lot about that person,” said Hoover. “There’s nothing more personal than financial affairs. It’s all part of trust.”.