Your Business Will Only Grow at the Speed of Your Relationships

We’re continuing the 10 Lessons from 10 Years of Entrepreneurship series with one that’s close to my heart — because it’s truly shaped every pivot, win, and opportunity I’ve ever had.

 

If I had to sum up ten years of business in one sentence, it would be this: your business will grow at the speed of your relationships. Whether you sell a service, product, or run a brick-and-mortar — we’re all in the relationships business.

 

In this lesson, I’m diving into why people are the real currency of business, how to nurture genuine connections, and what to do when it’s time to evolve past certain relationships.

 

When I first started out, I thought success meant figuring everything out on my own. I kept my head down, avoided collaboration, and saw other business owners as competition.

 

Looking back, I can see how much that slowed me down. It wasn’t until I started surrounding myself with other entrepreneurs — especially other moms — that things really started to move.

 

Community isn’t about schmoozy networking events or collecting business cards. It’s about real connection. When you strip away the titles, we’re all just people walking each other home — learning, growing, and figuring this out together.

 

Isolation might feel easier at first, but it keeps you small.

 

Every big opportunity I’ve had came from relationships — someone who opened a door, made an introduction, or believed in me when I doubted myself.

 

If you’re building alone, I want to challenge you to stop. Whether it’s joining a mastermind, attending an event, or simply DMing another entrepreneur — those small acts of connection compound over time.

 

A mentor once told me, “Your network is your net worth.”

 

I didn’t fully understand that at the time, but now I do. Relationships are what move the needle — if you nurture them.

 

That doesn’t mean constant check-ins or forced conversations. It means showing up authentically, celebrating others’ wins, and maintaining integrity in how you connect.

 

Surround yourself with people who share your values. Not everyone will cheer for you, and that’s okay. Focus on the ones who do.

 

Relationships aren’t a short-term play. They compound with time, consistency, and care.

 

Some of my biggest career opportunities came years after the first introduction — from old clients returning to brand partners who remembered how I made them feel.

 

Generosity builds credibility. When you help others, connect people, or simply show up with integrity, it always comes back around — often in ways you couldn’t have planned.

 

As you evolve, not every relationship will grow with you.

 

There will be people who helped you in one season but aren’t meant for the next — and that’s okay. Boundaries change, values shift, and priorities evolve.

 

It’s not about burning bridges; it’s about staying aligned. You will inevitably disappoint people along the way, but try not to disappoint yourself.

 

Relationships are the shortcut.

 

If you want to grow faster, don’t build another funnel — build a connection. The next ten years of your business will be shaped by who you surround yourself with.

 

So reach out. Send the message. Go to the event. Make a new “business bestie.” Because the truth is, your business will grow at the speed of your relationships — and that growth starts with you.