5 Steps to Building Authentic Business Relationships That Last
Mike thrives on delivering data-driven recommendations and action plans to solve complex business problems. His international research experiences and consultative engagements typically include a mix of qualitative and quantitative techniques. As a well-versed moderator, Mike is focused on better understanding the B2B decision making process, mostly among high tech, telecom, and business service verticals. His expertise often finds him speaking at industry-related events and conferences on topics such as how to conduct research to support the creation of thought leadership content and how emotions influence B2B decision making. Mike's out-of-office passions include global travel, improving his golf game, and sampling Syracuse's rising food scene - which is better than you might think!
In business, the strength of relationships can be the differentiator between success and stagnation. Whether you’re expanding your brand, improving productivity, or simply creating a more enjoyable work environment, relationships are at the core. Strong connections don’t just happen—they are built with intention and care.
At KS&R, we’ve spent over 40 years developing authentic relationships with clients, partners, and teammates. We’ve seen firsthand how authenticity is key—when interactions feel forced or disingenuous, trust is compromised, and long-term success becomes harder to achieve. People can sense when a relationship lacks sincerity, and that affects both business outcomes and the overall working experience. By focusing on real human connections, we’ve been able to grow with our clients and help them succeed, proving that genuine relationships are the foundation of lasting business success.
Let’s explore why relationships are central to business success and some practical ways to create or improve them.
1. Face-to-Face Connections Matter
There’s something irreplaceable about meeting in person. Sitting down face-to-face allows for deeper understanding, trust-building, and creating connections that go beyond transactional business deals. It’s not just business—it’s about making genuine, human connections, allowing for empathy, trust, and a level of humanity that cannot be fully replicated online. Prioritize these moments to foster relationships with clients, colleagues, and partners.
2. Personalize Your Relationships
People want to work with those they feel a connection with. To build meaningful relationships, take the time to get to know people on a personal level. Shared experiences and common ground strengthen the foundation of collaboration, improving productivity, service delivery, and overall job satisfaction. Knowing your colleagues or clients beyond their job roles can make all the difference.
3. Create Mutual Value
Authentic relationships will stand the test of time. It’s not about pushing a hard sell or only focusing on what you gain. Instead, aim to provide genuine value to the other party by offering insights, ideas, and solutions that help them succeed. When both sides feel they are gaining from the relationship, the connection grows stronger. This authentic exchange creates a foundation for long-term collaboration, rather than a one-time transaction.
4. Keep the Relationship Alive
Strong relationships don’t require constant communication, but they do benefit from thoughtful, consistent engagement. Reach out periodically with a check-in or share insights that are genuinely helpful. These touchpoints don’t have to be about business every time—they can simply remind the other person that you value the relationship. Regular, authentic engagement keeps your connections fresh and shows that you’re invested in the relationship for the long haul.
5. Build Relationships Online Too
For professionals in most industries today, relationships extend into the digital space. Engage with others online, particularly through platforms like LinkedIn. This boosts your visibility, establishes authority, and helps foster connections with a wider audience. Digital engagement complements face-to-face interactions, playing a crucial role in modern relationship-building.
Invest in relationships not just because it’s smart business, but because they bring authenticity and joy to the work you do. Success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about who you achieve it with.
About KS&R
KS&R is a nationally recognized strategic consultancy and marketing research firm that provides clients with timely, fact-based insights and actionable solutions through industry-centered expertise. Specializing in Business Services, Telecom, Entertainment & Recreation, Healthcare, Retail & E-Commerce, Technology, and Transportation & Logistics verticals, KS&R empowers companies globally to make smarter business decisions. For more information, please visit www.ksrinc.com.
