When it comes to running your small business, there’s a big secret hidden right in plain sight: relationships. Now, maybe you’re thinking, “Aaron, of course relationships matter!” But hang with me, because a recent conversation I had with Karen Pickering, an amazing business owner, made me see just how powerful good relationships truly are, especially when things get tough.
Karen is the founder and publisher of The Northwest Horse Source Magazine. She built her entire business from scratch through genuine relationships and deep passion. She didn’t chase big budgets or fancy technology and has been successful for over 30 years. Karen was horse-crazy from childhood, and even with no publishing experience, she knew horses would be part of her life. Early on, it was her community of friends, family, and horse lovers who rallied around her dream, helping her business take root.
Why Relationships Are Essential to Small Business Success
Karen shared something incredibly important: your values, like love, forgiveness, and spirituality for her, should drive your business decisions. It’s easy to get distracted by chasing customers or worrying about revenue, but Karen reminded me that lasting success comes from building authentic relationships. When your customers, partners, or team members feel truly seen, they become loyal supporters who carry your business through ups and downs.
Practical Ways to Strengthen Your Business Relationships
Building great relationships isn’t just about making friends; it requires intentional action. Karen lives by Zig Ziglar’s wisdom, “You can have everything in life you want, if you just help enough other people get what they want.” This means giving first, listening actively, and offering value without immediately expecting a payoff.
One powerful idea Karen and I discussed is Jack Canfield’s formula: Event + Response = Outcome (E + R = O). It means you’re fully responsible for how relationships turn out. Even when tough conversations or problems come up, your response shapes the relationship’s future. Karen shared an inspiring story where a tense disagreement became a meaningful connection simply by responding with kindness.
Avoid These Common Relationship-Building Mistakes
If you’re struggling, it might be because you’re spreading yourself too thin, trying to maintain relationships that drain your energy or aren’t aligned with your values. Karen reminded me it’s okay, actually, necessary, to let certain clients go. Saying no can be difficult, but holding onto relationships that aren’t healthy or beneficial can drag your whole business down. By gracefully moving away from misaligned clients, you free up energy to nurture relationships that truly matter.
Why Face-to-Face Networking Still Matters in a Digital World
Digital reach is powerful, but there’s nothing like genuine, face-to-face interaction. Karen explained how expos and community events still provide immense value. Online platforms are great starting points, but deeper connections often require meeting in person. Her tip? Focus your networking efforts intentionally by creating or joining a central hub or community instead of scattering your energy across multiple channels. This is how real relationships thrive.
Signs It’s Time to Let a Client Go (and How to Do It Gracefully)
You might struggle with this one as most small business owners do, but recognizing when it’s time to part ways with a client is essential for your health and business. Karen’s approach is simple: if a relationship constantly feels difficult or misaligned with your values, it’s probably time to move on. Do it gracefully by thanking them, clearly communicating why the relationship isn’t the right fit, and possibly recommending someone else. Remember, releasing misaligned relationships creates space for better ones.
Building a Strong Online Community: Do’s and Don’ts
Building relationships doesn’t stop offline. Online communities, like the Entrepreneur’s Success Hub Facebook Group (OSG.link/group), can be powerful. Here’s a practical step: head to the group today. Ask a question, offer advice, or just start a conversation. But remember, don’t just promote yourself. Be genuinely helpful, respectful, and engaged. This approach creates real relationships that translate into stronger businesses.
Next Steps: Taking Action on Relationship-Building Today
Today, pick just one relationship in your business to strengthen. Send a thank-you note, offer support, or simply reach out with genuine appreciation. Be the kind of business owner you’d love to work with. Relationships are your business’s soil, and the richer and deeper they go, the healthier your business becomes.
If you’re struggling right now, remember this: strong relationships can get you through almost anything. Karen’s story is proof that genuine connections, built intentionally, lead to lasting success.
And if you want practical help designing a business that aligns with your values, join us for the Business by Design Masterclass and Workshop. It’s a simple, powerful experience to clarify your mission, build a solid foundation, and create a practical plan you can grow. Go to OurSuccessGroup.com/businessplan.
Huge thanks to Karen Pickering for inspiring us with grace, grit, and generosity. Here’s to relationships that help you and your business thrive! If you want to go check out the interview, go to our YouTube Channel.
Wow, thank you Aaron. This article really pulls the essence of what is important to me and the relationships I’ve built. You’re one of the business relationships I truly value and am proud to be a part of your mastermind group. I hope to build one for my customers one day.