Building Genuine Connections: Practical Strategies for Nurturing Relationships

By Jean LaVallie , Founder and President Women Entrepreneurs Secrets of Success (WESOS)

When I founded WESOS over ten years ago, I could never have imagined the incredible network of women I would come to know and cherish. Back then, I didn’t set out with a grand plan to create a nationwide network; I simply wanted to bring together women who could support one another in their entrepreneurial journeys. What I’ve learned along the way is that the true magic of networking lies in building genuine, lasting relationships—not just gathering a group of 4 or 5 women in a clique, but fostering a community where every connection is rooted in honesty, support, and mutual growth.

It’s easy to think that once you’ve made a connection, the hard work is done. But maintaining and nurturing those relationships takes consistent effort and intention. Over the years, I’ve discovered a few strategies that have helped me stay in touch, offer value, and build connections that don’t just feel transactional.

Stay in Touch: A Little Goes a Long Way

One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to maintain relationships is by staying in touch. It doesn’t always require grand gestures; sometimes, it’s the little things that matter most. A quick message to check in, a comment on a social media post, or a thoughtful email can go a long way in showing someone that you care about them and their journey.

I make it a point to reach out regularly to the women in my network. Whether it’s to congratulate them on a success, offer support during a challenging time, or simply catch up, these small acts of connection help keep our relationships strong. It’s not about being in constant communication, but rather about showing up when it matters and letting people know that they are valued.

Offer Value: Be the Support You Want to See

One of the core principles of WESOS is the idea of collaboration over competition. This means that instead of thinking about what we can get from others, we focus on what we can offer. When you approach relationships with the mindset of giving rather than taking, you create a foundation of trust and reciprocity.

Offering value can take many forms. It might be sharing a helpful resource, making an introduction, or simply lending a listening ear. The key is to be genuine in your desire to support others. When you show up for people with an open heart and a willingness to help, you build relationships that are rooted in mutual respect and care.

Be Consistent: Authenticity Over Transactionality

Consistency is key to maintaining strong relationships, but it’s important to strike a balance so that your efforts don’t come across as transactional. This means being authentic in your interactions and showing up consistently over time.

One way to be consistent without feeling transactional is to focus on the quality of your interactions rather than the quantity. It’s not about how often you reach out, but about the sincerity of your connection when you do. When you approach each interaction with authenticity, you create a space where true connections can flourish.

For me, consistency also means being there for people not just in the good times, but in the challenging moments as well. It’s about offering a hand when someone is struggling and celebrating their successes as if they were your own. This kind of consistent support is what turns a network into a true community.

Honest Connections: The Heart of Networking

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to build a clique—it’s to cultivate honest connections with others. It’s about creating a space where you can support others and feel the support they offer in return. This is the essence of WESOS and the reason why our network has grown into what it is today.

When you prioritize staying in touch, offering value, and being consistent in an authentic way, you build relationships that go beyond business. You create a community of women who uplift one another, cheer each other on, and walk side by side through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

In a world that often feels transactional, these genuine connections are a breath of fresh air. They remind us that at the heart of networking is not just what we can gain, but how we can grow together.

Women Entrepreneurs. Experience the "Heart of WESOS", where building authentic relationships leads to business growth, shared resources, collaborations, referrals, inspiration, and more! Get started for free today: WESOS Community Center

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