The Power of Authentic Relationships in Business and Profession

Ever found yourself in that awkward moment, wondering if inviting a client out for coffee or dinner might come across as overly personal or “cheesy”? It’s funny—and relatable. Building relationships in a professional setting often feels like walking a tightrope: you want to establish trust and camaraderie, but without overstepping boundaries or coming across as insincere.

Early in my career, I often struggled with this balance. Could an invite to coffee seem like “forced friendship”? Would it make me look too eager or unprofessional? I used to believe that professional relationships should stay strictly business. Business lunches and dinners felt acceptable because they had a clear work-related purpose. But anything beyond that, anything that hinted at zabardasti ki dosti—forced camaraderie—made me uncomfortable.

Over time, however, I realized that relationships aren’t about ticking boxes or following rules. Authentic connections don’t come from obligation or formality; they grow naturally through trust, effort, and genuine care.

The Shift: From Transactional to Transformational

Here’s what I’ve realized: relationships with clients, like any other meaningful connection, thrive when nurtured with intention and authenticity. It starts by stepping into their shoes—becoming an extension of their team. This means actively solving problems, understanding their challenges, and offering value without attaching strings or expecting immediate returns.

When you genuinely invest in helping a client succeed—not for the sake of securing the next deal, but because you care about their journey and goals—the relationship begins to transform. Trust becomes the cornerstone, and what starts as a professional partnership begins to feel personal in the best possible way.

At this stage, those coffee meetings, lunches, or even lighthearted gossip sessions don’t feel like zabardasti ki dosti (forced camaraderie). Instead, they become natural extensions of the bond you’ve built. It’s not just about working together anymore; it’s about two people, united by mutual respect and aligned goals, genuinely enjoying each other’s company while collaborating for success.

A Timeless Lesson from My Dad

My father, once shared a piece of wisdom with me that continues to guide my approach to relationships: "Business main koi dost nai hota, but business dosti se he hota hai”

(No one is your friend in business, but business happens because of ?friendship)

At first glance, this might sound contradictory, but its depth becomes clear with experience. Friendship in business can’t be forced. It’s not about trying to charm or push your way into someone’s trust. Instead, it’s about showing up with authenticity, solving problems with sincerity, and consistently adding value.

When you prioritize integrity and a genuine desire to help, the bonds you form with clients go beyond mere transactions. These relationships become built on mutual respect and understanding—proof that meaningful business partnerships often start with the seeds of trust and camaraderie.

So, what can you do? Here are some practical spaces for building business friendships

1. Be Authentic: Don’t try too hard or push yourself on someone. Build trust through genuine effort
2. Solve Problems: Help your clients or partners achieve their goals, and the relationship will flourish naturally
3. Let it Evolve: Relationships take time—don’t rush them. Be patient and consistent in your efforts
4. Create Value beyond Business: Spend time exchanging knowledge, sharing laughs, and building rapport

When your relationships are rooted in authenticity and trust, business becomes a natural byproduct. So, let go off the zabardasti ki dosti and embrace genuine connections.

Cheers to all the friends that I have because of work.?

Thank you for reading.