When I first opened my business, I thought success would come down to systems, branding, and hard work. While all of that is incredibly important, one thing has made the biggest difference in growing my business: Building strong, meaningful relationships.
Whether it’s earning the trust of a new client, supporting your team, or cultivating a relationship with an external partner or vendor, those connections are what give your business heart and provide a competitive advantage.
Since becoming a business owner, here are five relationship-building lessons I’ve learned that any entrepreneur should use:
Be Accessible and Present
You don’t have to be physically on-site every second, but as a business owner, your presence matters! Anything from a quick check-in text, swinging by with coffee, or showing up to team events builds little moments of connection that add up to strong bonds.
I make a point to be in the studio at least once a week to build relationships with the IMAGE Pros (beauty professionals) who operate out of my Boca Raton location. Being available to answer questions, solve problems, or simply catch up helps me stay connected. Our goal is to empower beauty professionals to confidently run their own businesses, and that starts with knowing they have a supportive, engaged partner by their side.
At the end of the day, your relationships are the foundation of everything. Invest in and protect these relationships, and most of all, lead with heart.
Actively Listen
Active listening isn’t just about nodding along while someone talks. It’s about being fully present. When you take the time to understand the needs, concerns, and goals of your team, clients, or partners, you send a powerful message and show them that their thoughts and opinions matter.
When someone comes to you with a problem, respond thoughtfully and with empathy. For example, if a team member expresses feeling overwhelmed, ask more questions instead of jumping to short-term solutions. What’s contributing to the stress? What would help?
It’s a small shift that creates big trust. People want to feel heard, and when they do, they stick around and want to grow within your business.
Show Appreciation Often (And Mean It)
Try to make gratitude a part of your daily rhythm. There is real power in a sincere “thank you,” shouting someone out during a meeting, or leaving a handwritten note highlighting someone’s efforts and contributions to the business.
Gratitude doesn’t have to be a big production, but what matters is that everyone feels valued. When they do, everything—morale, retention, and creativity—gets better, and people come to work wanting to be their best each day.
An effective way to strengthen relationships is by hosting events that show genuine appreciation. As a business owner, it’s important to go the extra mile to support those who are a part of your business’s day-to-day success. That’s why I regularly organize “IMAGE Love Events,” special gatherings designed to make IMAGE Pros feel valued. For example, I hosted catered meals around the holidays and handed out gift bags filled with gift cards, branded swag, thank you notes, etc. These moments of intentional connection help everyone feel seen and involved, reinforcing a sense of belonging.
Respect Boundaries
As entrepreneurs, we’re all juggling a million things, and it’s easy to blur the line between hustle and healthy boundaries. But to build strong relationships, respecting boundaries and work-life balance is crucial.
That could mean not texting or emailing after hours, or encouraging breaks and time off without guilt. It also requires owners to understand the limits of an individual’s role. While it’s great to have trusted advisors, you shouldn’t expect them to be available 24/7 or go beyond their scope. It’s amazing what honoring people’s personal lives and priorities can do to strengthen professional relationships.
Deliver on Your Promises
In business, whether you’re dealing with customers, partners, or your own team, trust is everything. No matter how big or small, delivering on promises builds credibility. Whether meeting a deadline, honoring a pricing agreement, or providing a particular incentive, your actions send a clear message about your reliability.
For example, if a pro lets me know that something needs fixing in their space and I commit to handling it within the week, I make sure it happens. Our pros choose us partly because of the luxurious and aesthetic environment we offer, so following through on these promises is essential. This creates a ripple effect, empowering them to deliver exceptional services to their own clients.
This applies to every business relationship. Overpromising and underdelivering on things like scheduling, growth opportunities, or pay can quickly decrease trust. But showing up consistently, setting clear expectations, and following through lays the groundwork for strong and lasting bonds.
Lindsay Cole is the owner of IMAGE Studios in Boca Raton, FL
