The best Biz Advice I’ve Received
The Best Business Advice I Ever Received (And Still Live By 30 Years Later)
I don’t remember her name.
We had a brief conversation—just a passing exchange, really. But what she said stuck with me more than most formal advice I’ve received in three decades of running businesses.
“It’s all about relationships.”
That’s it.
Simple, honest, and completely true.
At the time, I probably nodded politely. I was young, eager, and focused on the mechanics of starting something—inventory, signage, staffing, pricing, branding. All the things I thought made a business successful.
But over the years, her words revealed their power. Because what she said isn’t just good advice—it’s everything. No matter your industry, product, or business model, success comes down to one thing: people.
And people need connection. They need trust.
So how do you build that? How do you turn a fleeting interaction into something that lasts, that supports your business, that actually matters?
Here are four practices I’ve used over the years to build authentic, lasting relationships in business:
1. Ask Questions
Whether you're speaking with a customer, supplier, client, or teammate—be curious. Ask about their story. Listen. Engage. Not only does it build trust, but it usually turns out to be fun and rewarding for you, too.
2. If You Think Something Nice, Say It
A sincere, insightful compliment can change the tone of a meeting or an entire day. Don’t hold back when something positive crosses your mind. Business is hard—your kind words might be the only ones someone hears that day.
3. Show You Care
Little things matter. A quick check-in, a thoughtful gesture, a well-timed favor. We all want to feel cared for—even in a professional setting. Especially in a professional setting.
4. Help Solve a Problem
Every client, customer, or partner has a pain point. When you take the time to understand what it is and how you can help, you move from vendor to valued ally. That’s the sweet spot.
Over the years, I’ve run brick-and-mortar stores, managed teams, negotiated leases, built new ventures, and consulted with entrepreneurs across industries—and this is the truth that always holds up:
Business is personal. Relationships are everything.
So I’ll pass along that anonymous woman’s wisdom to you:
It’s all about relationships.
PS. Here’s a bonus tip: HAVE FUN here’s a picture of me and a client, twinning.
