Mindset, Online Business

The Power of Relationship Building in Business

April 28, 2025
By itssophiebiggerstaff.com

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The Key To Relationship Building In Business Is Authenticity!

In today’s hyperconnected yet somehow disconnected world, relationship building and more importantly the ability to build genuine relationships can be your greatest business asset. But how do you create those authentic connections that not only feel good but drive your business forward?

Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword – it’s a fundamental approach to how we interact with others both personally and professionally. When we strip away the corporate masks and show up as our true selves, magical things happen: deeper connections form, trust develops faster, and business opportunities unfold naturally.

But what does being authentic actually mean?

In a recent episode of my podcast The Remote CEO I discussed this with founder of Harmony Labs Melek and we came to the conclusion that: “Authenticity means to live a life that is aligned with whatever is alive for you in that present moment.” It’s not about having one fixed authentic self, but embracing the ever-changing nature of who we are.

Let’s explore how you can harness the power of authentic relationship building to transform your business.

Identifying Your True Authentic Self for Relationship Building

The journey to building authentic relationships starts with understanding your own authentic self. This is particularly important for business owners who often feel pressured to present a “professional” version that may not align with who they truly are.

Society has conditioned many of us to suppress our authentic selves from childhood. Remember those moments when you expressed big emotions and were told to tone it down? Or when your natural behaviors were deemed “too much”? These experiences teach us to hide parts of ourselves, especially in professional settings.

To reconnect with your authenticity:

Notice when you’re mimicking others’ leadership or communication styles rather than developing your own
Pay attention to when interactions energize versus drain you
Observe which business activities align with your natural strengths and values

When you’re authentic in business, you attract the right people and opportunities.

Ready to discover your authentic business approach? Watch my FREE Find Your Freedom Masterclass to identify what truly aligns with your natural strengths, visions and values when it comes to business.

Who Should You Be Relationship Building With?

There are so many different people you could be connected with in your business, and ALL the relationships you have will benefit from being more authentic. How can you show up authentically when building relationships with the following people:

Customers and Clients: These relationships form the backbone of your business. When you show up authentically with clients, you create trust that goes beyond transactions. Rather than focusing solely on sales, approach these relationships with genuine curiosity about their challenges and aspirations. It will also help you get to know them on a much deeper level, meaning you can serve them better.
Peers and Collaborators: Fellow entrepreneurs and business owners at similar stages can become your most valuable support network. These relationships thrive on mutual understanding, shared experiences, and the absence of competition. Having business friends who know what you are going through can be very validating and offer both emotional support and practical advice.
Mentors and Inspirations: These are the people further along in their journey who can provide guidance, wisdom, and perspective. Authentic relationships with mentors require vulnerability – being honest about your struggles and open to feedback. The most valuable mentor relationships aren’t just about receiving advice but creating genuine connection based on mutual respect and shared values. Approach potential mentors with authenticity rather than mere admiration.
Team Members and Colleagues: Whether you have employees, contractors, or project collaborators, these relationships significantly impact your business culture. When you show up authentically as a leader, you create space for others to do the same, which in turn allows the work to be done more effectively and efficiently.
Industry Connectors and Referral Partners: These strategic relationships can exponentially grow your business through introductions and opportunities. However, they only work when built on a genuine connection rather than a transaction. When you meet up at networking events, don’t just talk about business – try out fun activities and see if you can get to know each other as friends. This can really help expedite the connection.

Creating Space for Authentic Connections

Building relationships that are truly authentic requires creating environments where people feel safe to be themselves. This means moving beyond traditional networking events and creating opportunities for genuine connection.

Here are practical approaches to foster authentic business relationships:

Host casual meetups focused on shared interests rather than business talk
Begin meetings with personal check-ins before diving into business
Ask meaningful questions about someone’s journey and motivations
Share appropriate personal stories to demonstrate vulnerability

When you establish relationships based on genuine personal connection first, the business aspects flow more naturally and tend to be more fruitful.

Setting Healthy Relationship Boundaries

Authentic relationship building doesn’t mean investing deeply in every connection. In fact, true authenticity requires honesty about which relationships deserve your full energy and which ones should be approached differently.

In business, this translates to:

Being selective about clients and partnerships that align with your values
Recognizing which professional connections energize versus deplete you
Setting appropriate boundaries based on relationship depth and purpose
Allowing some connections to naturally fade if they no longer serve you

You don’t have to let everyone you meet into your world fully – having boundaries is really important!

After business meetings, take time to reflect: how would you actually feel working with this person? Does the thought energize you or drain you? While sometimes financial necessity dictates taking on less-than-ideal clients, aim to build your business around authentic connections that feel aligned.

Some business partnerships aren’t going to be happy and fun all the time. You are going to have challenges, which are an opportunity to grow together and deepen the bonds. Authentic relationships aren’t about avoiding conflict – quite the opposite. The depth of a relationship is often revealed through how challenges are handled.

When difficult conversations arise in business:

Create an appropriate space and timing for the discussion
Approach the conversation with curiosity rather than judgment
Stay connected to your authentic feelings while respecting others
View triggers as opportunities for growth rather than threats

These challenging moments often lead to the most significant breakthroughs in business relationships when handled authentically. They build trust and demonstrate their commitment to genuine connection over superficial harmony.

Balance Professionalism with Authenticity

Many business owners struggle with the perceived tension between professionalism and authenticity when relationship building. The good news? These concepts can absolutely coexist.

Our concept of professionalism has evolved significantly. Remote work, casual dress codes, and changing workplace norms have created more space for authentic expression in business contexts.

To balance professionalism with authenticity:

Maintain appropriate boundaries while expressing your personality
Bring your unique communication style to formal business settings
Focus relationship-building efforts on mutual interests beyond business
Allow your passion for your work to shine through in professional contexts

The most successful business relationships often transcend purely professional interactions without abandoning appropriate boundaries.

Are You Ready To Start Building More Authentic Relationships For Your Business?

Building authentic relationships in business isn’t just about being “real” – it’s a strategic approach that yields tremendous benefits. When you show up authentically, you attract aligned clients, create meaningful partnerships, and build a business that energizes rather than depletes you.

The journey begins with reconnecting to your authentic self, then creating spaces where others feel safe to do the same. By setting healthy boundaries, navigating challenges with integrity, and balancing professionalism with personality, you can build a network of relationships that support both your business growth and personal fulfillment.

Ready to build a business centered around authentic connections? Take the first step by signing up for my Find Your Freedom Model masterclass, where you’ll discover how to align your business with your most authentic self.

Remember: in a world of surface-level networking, authentic relationship building isn’t just good for the soul – it’s your competitive advantage.