Episode 240: Building Relationships 101 to Grow Your Business
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Why relationship-building is the fastest way to grow (without feeling salesy)
Hey friend—Lindsay here. Today we’re talking about something that is so vital to growing your business… and honestly, in my opinion, one of the quickest ways to grow it:
Building relationships.
But I know this topic can feel weird—especially online.
Because none of us want to be:
- awkward
- spammy
- “hey girly”-ish
- or the person who makes people run the other way in the DMs
And when we hear words like “sales” and “follow-up,” it can get in our heads and stop us from taking the simple steps that would actually move our business forward.
So let’s make this easy, normal, and (dare I say) fun.
Mindset shift: you’re in the relationship business
No matter what you sell—products, services, coaching, crafts, real estate, tutoring, travel planning, nails, t-shirts… literally anything—here’s the mindset shift:
You are in the relationship-building business.
Yes, people buy the product or service… but most of the time, they’re buying it from you because they connect with you.
Because let’s be real: in most industries, people can find something similar somewhere else.
What they can’t find somewhere else is:
- your energy
- your personality
- your perspective
- your story
- your vibe
- your values
- the way you make them feel
That’s the magic.
People buy because they:
- connect with you
- trust you
- understand your “why”
- want to support your mission
- feel seen by you
- enjoy being in your world
So the real question is: are you giving them opportunities to connect with you?
The foundation of relationship-building: letting people know YOU
If you want people to feel connected to you, they need to actually know you.
People buy when they feel like:
- “She gets me.”
- “I trust her.”
- “I like her.”
- “I want to support her.”
And connection is built through the little things you share consistently.
People may buy because you:
- make them laugh
- show up consistently
- treat your business like a real business
- message them like a human (not a pitch machine)
- thank them personally
- remember details about their life
And they connect with your real-life stuff, too.
They might know you love:
- Disney
- travel
- Spain
- Peloton
- self-care
- faith
- family
- running
- coffee
- your favorite books
- your favorite anything
Those details matter because they create familiarity—and familiarity builds trust.
And trust builds sales without you ever needing to be pushy.
The simple relationship-building method (that actually works)
Here’s the easy strategy I use—and you can start today.
1) Connect
Start engaging with people intentionally:
- comment on their posts
- reply to their Stories
- respond to their Reels
- react to something they share
Stories are GOLD for this because it feels natural and conversational.
2) Invite
Once you’ve created real connection, then invite them into your world.
That could look like:
- sharing a freebie
- inviting them to a training
- offering a helpful resource
- encouraging them to join your email list
- suggesting a product/service that fits what they’ve shared
Not in a pushy way—just in a “hey, I thought of you” way.
3) Follow up
This is where so many people drop the ball.
Following up can be simple:
- “Did you get a chance to watch it?”
- “What did you think?”
- “Was it helpful?”
- “Do you have any questions?”
You’re not being annoying—you’re being a professional who cares.
4) Keep engaging
Relationship-building isn’t a one-and-done thing.
Keep showing up.
Keep talking.
Keep encouraging.
Keep being interested in them.
Because when it’s time for them to buy, book, hire, or finally take the leap… you’ll be top of mind.
Don’t forget your personal profile (it matters more than you think)
If you’re using social media to grow your business, your personal profile is a powerful connection tool.
This is where you can be personal and relatable:
- what you’re up to
- what you’re reading
- your next trip
- what you’re loving
- behind-the-scenes
- everyday life stuff
This helps people feel like they know you—which makes the jump to “customer/client” feel natural.
If you have a group, build COMMUNITY (not a sales feed)
If you have a VIP group or a free community, show up consistently—ideally daily if you want it to truly feel like a community.
But here’s the key:
Don’t make every post about what you’re selling.
Try things like:
- go live while you’re getting ready
- post a coffee pic and ask how they take theirs
- play a simple game
- do a giveaway
- ask conversation questions
- spotlight a member/client/customer
- share a quick tip
- poll them and get opinions
And if engagement is slow? Ask for it.
You can literally say:
- “Comment a ✨ if you’re here!”
- “Tell me what you’re working on today.”
- “Drop a GIF that matches your mood.”
Sometimes people just need the invitation.
The easiest daily habit: 10 minutes of genuine DMs
This is one of the most underrated strategies.
Set a timer for 10 minutes a day and send personal messages that are NOT invites.
Examples:
- “Hey Christy! I saw you have a Disney trip coming up—so excited for you!”
- “I loved your post today. That really hit me.”
- “Just popping in to say I’m cheering you on.”
Make it obvious you paid attention.
Make it human.
Make it kind.
This is how you create:
- loyal customers
- repeat buyers
- referrals
- long-term community
- real friendships
Even if they never buy, they might refer someone later or hype you up publicly—and that matters.
This works online AND in real life
As we’re in this post-COVID world, don’t forget relationship-building isn’t only online.
You can use the same principles in-person:
- at a workout class
- at your kid’s activities
- at church
- at networking events
- at school functions
- in the waiting room, literally anywhere
Talk to people. Care about them. Follow up. Invite them when it makes sense.
And also—make sure people know what you do.
Not in a braggy way. In a clear way.
Let them know:
- you’re the nail girl
- you make the shirts
- you tutor kids
- you plan travel
- you do branding
- you run the shop
- you offer the service
Because we are in business.
Final reminder: don’t get discouraged
Relationship-building takes time. That’s normal. That’s how it’s supposed to work.
And please don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.
If you start today and stay intentional, you will look up a few months from now and realize:
You built a business the right way—without ever feeling sleazy.
Now go take the next 10 minutes you would’ve spent scrolling… and go build some relationships. ✨
Want support with consistency + relationship-based selling?
If you want help showing up consistently, building real connection, and turning your content into clients (without burnout), you’ll love Social Sales Studio.
Come join us and let’s make relationship-building your superpower. 💛
