The next few years seem fraught with economic uncertainty. In times like this, a strong banking relationship is critical. It is critical for securing loans and for establishing and maintaining lines of credit. Relationships are not built overnight. Here are the steps you need to build a good relationship with a bank.

The first step is to identify the right bank. The national banks are difficult for a small business to personalize. They are large corporations with revolving doors at most of the positions where you are likely to engage a banker. By contrast, the executives in a regional or community bank are likely to remain in place over time. Plus, the bank is focused on and completely invested in the community where it operates.