Relationships are absolutely fundamental to any business. And yet so many online business owners often seem to be doing everything possible to bring in clients without having to make direct contact with other humans. The internet can make this particularly confusing, because the nature of relationships on the internet is confusing! What’s more, it’s so easy to feel isolated as an entrepreneur and to not even think about turning to other people. The reality is, more than your social media presence—more than any aspect of your digital marketing strategy, being active in the community you serve is probably the biggest advantage you can have in growing your work.Whether you're an introvert, socially anxious, or just unsure of where to begin, this conversation offers actionable advice and thoughtful perspectives on:- Shifting your focus from audience size to nurturing existing connections.- Understanding how relationships can be the "soil" for sustainable growth.- Building trust and collaborations that align with your values and vision.- Navigating the role of digital tools like Instagram alongside in-person or community engagement.- Practical steps for finding opportunities, connecting with aligned professionals, and maintaining integrity in partnerships.Tristan and Brooke also reflect on how privilege and positionality impact collaborations and share personal stories about opportunities born from intentional relationship-building.Takeaways:- Relationships are the foundation of any business. Invest time and effort in nurturing them.- Focus on serving your current audience and community rather than chasing endless growth.- Show up authentically—whether in networking events, online platforms, or collaborations.- Don’t bypass direct connections; meaningful interactions outlast transactional marketing tactics.Mentions & Resources:Free Workshop:ChatGPT & Your Work with Patricia Grenseman - Friday, January 10th, 10-11:30am Pacific / 1-2:30pm EasternConcept to Conversion Program: A 4-week intensive to guide you in getting your next offer out into the world, starting January 21stLinks:Visit joinfruition.com for more programs and resources.And of course, you can also get more info about Brooke and Tristan on their websites: brooke-monaghan.com and katz-creative.comCall to Action:Enjoyed this episode? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, and let us know how these insights are helping you in your work, or share this episode with someone who might benefit from it!+ Episode Transcript

Carrie and Kalena go way back! Both ladies have had to veer a bit in their careers. They met up for lunch to discuss how Carrie has successfully done so.

In this episode of Deep Dive Reads, we dive into Leil Lowndes's How to Talk to Anyone, a must-read for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and build lasting connections. Lowndes reveals practical techniques and strategies for approaching conversations with confidence, making lasting impressions, and navigating social situations with ease. Whether you're looking to excel in networking, strengthen relationships, or simply become a better conversationalist, this episode offers powerful insights to help you communicate effectively and connect with anyone, anywhere. Tune in for tips on mastering the art of communication!Enjoyed this episode? If you're in the mood for a heartwarming story, check out Unscripted Hearts by Abhishek Wadhwa—a tale of unexpected romance and second chances. Perfect for your next read! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Presentation Skills Are Life Skills

After working his way up to a director-level role at his job, Chris faced an unexpected reality... The company no longer valued his contributions. But instead of giving in to self-doubt, he made a bold move that caught even his boss—and his boss’s boss—off guard. This step allowed Chris to claim control over his future in a way no one saw coming. In this episode of The Working While Black Show, my guest, a Storytelling & Public Speaking Coach, shares how to transform career uncertainty into your greatest advantage. We also explore the power of building genuine relationships at work and using positive disruption to stand out in the workplace. Whether you're stuck in your current position or ready to level up your leadership presence, this episode provides actionable strategies to help you master confidence and stand out authentically in your career. Chris shares personal stories and practical wisdom from his journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship.ResourcesLearn how to tell your own story in 24 hours using Chris’s storytelling techniques: A Easy Guide to StorytellingLearn more about Notion, the all in one digital workspace: www.affiliate.notion.so/wd96duoqxmlk CONNECT WITH USLearn more about our guest and explore more resources in the show notes on our website: www.bosslocksmedia.com/wwbshow/chris-ward-jr-anxiety-into-confidence

This week, we’re doing a special broadcast of another podcast, BNI Southeast Tennessee. Heather is a sponsor and was featured on the show! Be sure to follow BNI Southeast Tennessee podcast for more. **** Welcome to the BNI Southeast Tennessee Podcast! In this episode, Michael Crosa sits down with sponsor of the show Heather Hendrickson, owner of the Hendrickson Agency, a local insurance agency properly protecting your most precious possessions. Heather shares her experiences as a wheelchair user and reflects on the unique ways that visible disabilities influence networking and community interactions. Heather and Michael also connect over shared challenges, discussing how inclusion can be promoted in both professional and social spaces. **** To learn more about BNI and find a chapter meeting near you, head over to https://bnisetn.com **** This episode is sponsored by Heather Hendrickson at The Hendrickson Agency, a local insurance agency properly protecting your most precious possessions. Heather believes in putting people over policies so a good referral for her would be a property owner in Georgia or Tennessee looking for somebody who can offer a personal touch and true care and consideration. Find out more By finding the Hendrickson Agency below: 423-243-3200 https://www.facebook.com/HHendricksonAgency/ https://www.instagram.com/thehendrickson.agency/  https://agents.farmers.com/tn/chattanooga/heather-hendrickson/ **** This podcast is created by Chattanooga Podcast Studios. To learn how we can help represent your business through podcasting, contact us at https://chattpod.com/ **** Heather's Most Precious Podcast: https://megaphone.link/CTAOG6018780084 **** BNI Southeast Tennessee does not collect money from members beyond membership dues. Sponsorships are managed by Chattanooga Podcast Studios and used to pay for production costs.

Hey there, everyone, and welcome back to Influencer Insider, the podcast where we unlock the secrets to turning your social media presence into a thriving business and beyond. I’m Sophia, and today we’re diving into a topic that’s about taking your influence to the next level. We’re talking about how to use your platform, your network, and your creativity to invest in other ventures and support new projects. Because let’s face it: building an online brand is incredible, but what if you could use that success to diversify your income and impact even more lives? Sounds exciting, right?

Hey there, and welcome back to Influencer Insider, the podcast where we uncover the secrets to thriving in the social media world. I’m Sophia, your host, and I am so excited to dive into today’s topic: networking with influencers and brands. Now, before you start picturing boring LinkedIn messages or awkward handshakes at conferences, let me stop you right there. Networking in the influencer space is a whole different game—it’s about building real relationships, opening doors to incredible opportunities, and creating a community where everyone wins. Whether you're a creator looking to collaborate with other influencers or hoping to catch the attention of your dream brand, this episode is for you.

Hey everyone, welcome back to Influencer Insider, the podcast where we dig into the secrets of social media stardom and help you unlock your potential in the digital world. I’m Sophia, your guide to all things influencer life, and today we’re diving into one of the most exciting, rewarding, and sometimes overlooked aspects of growing your presence online: collaborating with other creators.