Business is often seen as a numbers game—profit margins, revenue targets, and bottom lines.
It is, but those numbers wouldn’t exist without the relationships behind them.
Every sale, every contract, every dollar in your business is the result of the connections you’ve built—with employees, clients, and suppliers.
Nurture those relationships, and the numbers will follow.
Neglect them, and no amount of strategy will save you.
The strongest, most profitable businesses don’t just have good products or clever marketing.
They have people who are deeply invested in their success—employees, clients, and suppliers.
🟠 Your Employees
There’s a reason people say, employees don’t leave bad jobs, they leave bad bosses.
A business isn’t a logo or a website—it’s a group of people working toward a shared goal. When those people feel heard, valued, and supported, they’ll go the extra mile. When they don’t, they’ll give you just enough to get by (until they find something better).
I once worked with a business owner who was constantly frustrated with his staff. “They’re not stepping up,” he told me. “I have to do everything myself.”
But when we dug deeper, it turned out they weren’t stepping up because they didn’t feel empowered to. They were afraid to make decisions, unsure of expectations, and didn’t see a future in the business beyond just doing their job.
We made small changes—clearer communication, regular check-ins, and actually asking for their input. Within months, things turned around. Staff were engaged. Problems were solved faster. And—unsurprisingly—profitability improved.
Because when people feel like they matter, they show up differently.
🟠 Your Clients
Have you ever been a “transaction” to a business? You know the feeling—like they’re only interested in your money, not in actually helping you.
I had an accountant like that once. Every time I called, I felt like I was interrupting them. Like I was just another number in their books. They never followed up, never checked in, and definitely didn’t make me feel like a valued customer.
So when a competitor came along with a better experience (not even a better price!), switching was a no-brainer.
This is what so many business owners get wrong. They chase new leads, run marketing campaigns, and stress about customer acquisition… while completely neglecting the clients who are already there.
The best clients—the ones who stick around, refer others, and spend more over time—aren’t won through clever marketing. They’re won through genuine relationships.
If you’re constantly chasing new business but struggling to hold onto the clients you already have, it’s not a sales problem. It’s a relationship problem!
🟠 Your Suppliers
Last year, a client was getting frustrated with his suppliers. Stock shortages, unexpected price hikes, and endless delays were putting pressure on his cash flow and making it impossible to deliver on time.
But when we looked closer, the real issue wasn’t the suppliers themselves—it was how he was managing them.
He never checked in unless there was a problem. He paid invoices late. He treated suppliers like interchangeable vendors rather than long-term partners.
We changed the approach—better communication, building rapport, paying on time. Suddenly, things started running smoother. He got better terms, priority service, and more flexibility when he needed it.
Because just like clients and employees, suppliers are people too. And if you treat them well, they’ll go above and beyond for you.
🟠 Relationships Are the backbone of business success
When business is booming, relationships might feel like a “nice to have.” But when things get tough, they’re the difference between sinking and staying afloat.
The businesses that grow profitably? They’re the ones built on trust, loyalty, and strong connections.
Because success isn’t just about what you build. It’s about who you build it with.
Need help building a profitable business?
As a business advisor, I offer practical advice and support to NZ Business Owners who want to succeed in business. If you’re ready to make 2025 the year your business thrives, get in touch!
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