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 Eastern

Concept to Conversion Program: A 4-week intensive to guide you in getting your next offer out into the world, starting January 21st

Links:

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.com

Call 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!

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