Building Long-Term Business Relationships: Why It Matters More Than Access

As entrepreneurs, we often focus on getting into the "right" rooms, thinking that success is tied to access. But the real key isn’t about where we are—it’s about who we’re connecting with. Instead of chasing certain spaces or networks, we should be asking ourselves: What truly matters? What relationships will help sustain our long-term goals? It’s about fostering authentic connections that support both our ventures and personal lives. Prioritize relationships that will grow alongside your business and your community, not just the rooms you think you need to be in.

I also think that because we are conditioned to believe that human proximity places us in a different tier of social status, we end up disregarding the red flags—the things we should be paying attention to. We move away from our values. In those moments, we censor and silence ourselves, all in an attempt to gain access to spaces we think we desperately need. But the truth is, centering relationships that are authentic, sustainable, and meaningful is far more important for long-term growth.

Here is a list of resources, for entrepreneurs seeking information related to intuition and leaning into diverse, sustainable relationships:

• Book: “The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries

  • Focuses on adaptability, sustainable growth, and learning quickly, much like the evolution of business relationships.

• Online Course: Udemy: How to Build a Sustainable Business

  • Offers key lessons on building sustainable business models and long-term relationships.

• Article: Harvard Business Review: How Successful Entrepreneurs Build Relationships

  • Discusses strategies for cultivating meaningful, long-term business relationships.

• Book: “The Gift of Fear" by Gavin de Becker

  • Focuses on using intuition to recognize red flags and make better decisions in relationships and business.

love & light, Vierge