"Why ‘Networking’ Isn’t a Dirty Word: Building Relationships that Actually Work

If I had a dollar for every time someone told me, "It's not what you know, it's who you know," I'd probably be writing this from my private yacht. But, as it stands, I’m writing from my trusty home office, which is fine by me—at least the coffee’s good! Jokes aside, there’s a lot of truth to that old saying. In business, relationships are the secret sauce that turns a good idea into a thriving enterprise.

Let’s face it: whether you’re selling houses, offering financial advice, or running a dog grooming service, success boils down to one thing—people. And not just any people, but the ones who know you, trust you, and will sing your praises from the rooftops (or at least recommend you to their neighbor who’s looking to sell their house).

Why Relationships Are the Real MVPs

Let me break it down for you. Building strong relationships in business isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have. Here’s why:

1. Trust and Credibility:?Trust is like the avocado toast of business—everyone’s talking about it, and for good reason. When people trust you, they’re more likely to hire you, refer you, and stick with you when times get tough. In Denver, where the business community can feel more like a close-knit family, your reputation is everything. So, how do you build trust? By showing up, being reliable, and doing what you say you’re going to do. Simple, right?
2. Referrals and Word-of-Mouth Magic:?Ever notice how the best clients seem to show up out of nowhere? That’s the power of referrals at work. When you’ve built strong relationships, your clients and business partners become your unofficial marketing team, spreading the word about you far and wide. And the best part? Referred clients are usually the easiest to work with because they already trust you. It’s like skipping the awkward first date and going straight to the good stuff.
3. Collaboration and Partnerships:?You know what they say: two heads are better than one. By partnering with other businesses or professionals, you can tap into new markets, share resources, and create something greater than the sum of its parts. In a city like Denver, where collaboration is practically a way of life, the opportunities for partnership are endless. Whether it’s co-hosting an event or cross-promoting services, teaming up can take your business to new heights.
4. Resilience in Tough Times:?Business isn’t always smooth sailing. But when the going gets tough, it’s your relationships that will help you stay afloat. Having a network of trusted advisors, mentors, and peers means you’ve got a support system to lean on. Whether you need advice, a shoulder to cry on, or just someone to grab a drink with after a rough day, your network is there to help you weather the storm.
5. Personal Growth and Learning:?Let’s be real—none of us have all the answers. That’s why it’s so important to surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, and push you to be better. The relationships you build in business aren’t just about growing your company; they’re also about growing as a person. Soak up the wisdom, embrace the feedback, and keep learning. Your future self will thank you.

How to Build Kick-Ass Business Relationships

Alright, so how do you actually go about building these amazing relationships? Here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way:

1. Be Yourself (Seriously):?People can smell BS from a mile away. So, don’t try to be someone you’re not. Be genuine, be kind, and most importantly, be yourself. When you approach relationships with authenticity, people will naturally gravitate toward you. And if they don’t, well, you’re better off without them.
2. Stay in Touch:?Relationships are like plants—they need regular care and attention to thrive. Make it a habit to check in with your contacts regularly. Whether it’s a quick email, a phone call, or grabbing a cup of coffee, staying in touch keeps the relationship alive and well. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good coffee chat?
3. Give More Than You Get:?If you want to build strong relationships, focus on giving rather than taking. Offer help, share advice, make introductions—do whatever you can to add value to the other person’s life. The more you give, the more you’ll get back in return, often when you least expect it.
4. Be Dependable:?Want to build trust? Be someone others can count on. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. If you promise to follow up, follow up. It sounds simple, but being reliable is one of the most powerful ways to build strong relationships.
5. Get Out There and Network:?Especially here in Denver, where the business scene is buzzing, there’s no shortage of networking opportunities. Whether it’s industry-specific events, casual meetups, or—my personal favorite—Network in Action Groups, there’s always a chance to meet new people and strengthen existing relationships.

Join Me at a Network in Action Group in Denver!

Speaking of networking, if you’re serious about building relationships that will help your business thrive, I’ve got a little tip for you: come join me at a Network in Action Group here in Denver. It’s a fantastic way to connect with other like-minded professionals, share insights, and build the kind of relationships that can take your business to the next level.

Plus, I promise we’ll have a few laughs along the way. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s grab a coffee, swap stories, and start building relationships that matter. After all, in business, it’s not just about who you know—it’s about who you connect with. And I’d love to connect with you.

Hope to see you there!