The Power of Relationships in Business: How to Nurture Connections for Growth
It might be Valentine’s Day today, but nurturing our relationships should never be a once a year occurrence. It needs to be regular, consistent and two way, if it is to survive the test of time.
In business and in life, relationships are everything. They shape opportunities, open doors, and bring a richness that simply cannot be achieved alone. Yet, too often, we take them for granted—failing to nurture them, assuming they’ll always be there, or allowing the demands of daily life to push them aside.
But the truth is, relationships require care. They need attention, investment, and intention. They don’t just happen; they grow when we make the effort. When we do, the rewards are immense, whether they are supporting you in life, personally and professionally.
Throughout my life, my most valuable relationships have been those built on trust, shared values, and mutual support. From mentors who have guided me through pivotal career transitions to business connections that have evolved into lasting friendships, each relationship has played a crucial role in shaping my journey. I think of the people from all walks of life, not just from my business community, but decades of conversations with others who have challenged my thinking, offered wisdom in moments of uncertainty, and connected me with opportunities I may never have found on my own. You only need to read my book of the role relationships have played throughout my life, over 6 decades, or listen to my podcast where I connect you with people who are, or have made an impact on others from their contribution and care.
Relationships are not about transactions
In turn, to nurture the relationships in my life, I have always sought to give back. To provide support, a listening ear and on many, many occasions by making introductions, sharing insights. These relationships are not about transactions; they are about genuine connection, where both people grow, contribute, and support each other’s success. To be a really successful relationship, it needs to be two way, where both parties invest with authenticity and generosity. That is when the rewards extend far beyond what we ever expected.
I believe forming genuine relationships should be at the heart of everything you do if you seek opportunities, growth, and success. But more than that, recognise that the time you spend on these relationships will bring richness to your life, shaping your experiences and expanding your perspectives, often in ways you never envisaged.
How do we keep relationships thriving
Whether you are focussed on building relationships personally or professionally, recognise that every conversation has the potential to shape the future. A simple chat can spark a new idea, deepen understanding, or lead to an opportunity you never saw coming. whether that is to start playing pickle ball, or connect with a new client, or find a partner to collaborate with.
They all start from a conversation and become a powerful connection and relationship.
Forming genuine relationships should be at the heart of everything you do
I’ve witnessed countless moments where a simple introduction has led to business growth, career shifts, and even lifelong friendships. The key is to approach networking with curiosity and openness—because you never know where a conversation might lead. I talk about this podcast episode where a conversation, led to an opportunity and collaboration that changed lives., and with AJ Tennant in the podcast episode, “Be curious! Not judgemental”.
In business, by investing in relationships—offering help, listening deeply, and showing up consistently—you create a reputation that makes people want to work with you, refer you, and support your success.
Beyond business, relationships bring meaning to our lives. They challenge us to grow, help us see the world differently, and remind us of what truly matters.
When you surround yourself with the right people—those who inspire, encourage, and support you—you are more likely to stay motivated, take bold steps, and achieve your goals. The value of relationships isn’t just in what they bring you but in how they shape who you become.
Top Tips to remember and implement for building connection
To ensure our relationships remain strong, purposeful, and mutually beneficial, remember:
Be present, listening actively, and show genuine interest. Great relationships are built on meaningful dialogue, where both people feel heard and valued.
Approach each interaction with curiosity rather than expectation. Instead of thinking, What can I gain?, ask yourself, What can I learn? You never know where a conversation might lead.
A relationship isn’t just about connecting when you need something. It’s about showing up—regularly and with intention. Whether it’s a quick check-in, an email to share an article of interest, or an invitation to catch up over coffee, small gestures make a big impact. (In my experience, the strongest networks are built by those who give without expectation. The more you invest in others, the more those connections naturally deepen).
Relationships, like business, are dynamic. People grow, priorities shift, and circumstances change. The key is to evolve together, rather than drifting apart. Stay curious about those in your network—what are they working on? What challenges are they facing? How can you support them? I have been married 42 years, and we have supported each other every stop of the way. We may not always agree, but like our tree, our roots go deep and we have weathered storms together.
Meaningful connections don’t just happen; they need to be prioritised. Make the effort to keep in touch.
The connections we nurture today shape the doors that open for us personally and professionally, tomorrow.
So, let’s be intentional. Let’s invest in our relationships. Because, in the end, we are all just one conversation away from unlocking a new opportunities to create an impact and achieve the success you seek.
Hello, I’m Kerryn Powell, The Network Catalyst and founder of Your Time Matters.
With a passion for helping business owners build genuine relationships and grow with purpose, I’m here to support you in reshaping your conversations and navigating the challenges of business and achieving your "why."
Whether you need strategies to strengthen your network, stay accountable, or unlock new opportunities, I can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
It starts with a conversation with me , so let’s connect and explore how we can accelerate your success together. Reach out to start a conversation that matters.
