The only way to have a friend is to be one.
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
Success in business isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you surround yourself with.
When you intentionally align with the right mentors, advisors, consultants, and coaches,
you stop guessing and start growing with purpose.
— Roger Knecht
I would be remiss if I did not follow up on my recent blog, “I Have No Friends”: Building an Online Business as a New or Seasoned Entrepreneur, and provide the action steps to do just that. Duh! It is important, and moreover, imperative, that we have such steps to succeed.
I turned to my ally, ChatGPT, and requested action steps for our business, career and personal life. It was not that I could not think of any — most of these are ones that I have implemented, and/or have been aware of previously. Some have been second-natured, and others I have learned to embrace — and implement — as I grow into my purpose. Not sure of the exact wording but there is a quote that if we stop learning, we cease to exist. And who wants that while our heart is still beating, and hopefully, our brain too?
As noted, I put the task to ChatGPT to ensure that I did not forget any because I confess that I have been burning the candle at both ends these past few days. My thinking cap went on strike. Had had enough — bigtime. I am sure you can all relate.
Going forward, we want to succeed in making friends and building partnerships. But there is no reason why one goal cannot blossom into the other, and vice versa. We have but one life, and therefore, let us take advantage and cultivate both. Now for the recommendations:
✨10 Tips for Building Business Partnerships & Entrepreneurial Networks
1. Join Niche Communities or Masterminds
Start by engaging with those who share your passion — whether it's inside Facebook groups, private communities, or masterminds.
2. Give Before You Ask
Share a helpful tool, insight, or offer support before requesting a collaboration. Relationships grow with reciprocity.
3. Attend Online & In-Person Conferences
Nothing builds rapport like face-to-face connection (even virtual face-to-face). These spaces are ripe for collaboration.
4. Be Consistent on Social Media
Whether you're sharing wins or lessons learned, consistency builds trust — and helps your people find you.
5. Send a Purposeful DM
Reach out with intention. A thoughtful message goes further than a cold pitch on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, or other platforms.
6. Comment Meaningfully on Others’ Content
Engage in a way that adds value. Go beyond emojis and “Love this!” replies.
7. Start a Collaborative Project
Co-create a webinar, bundle, or pop-up challenge. Sharing the stage builds strong bonds.
8. Feature Others in Your Content
When reaching out to someone, make it easy for them to connect you by stating a clear reason.
9. Try Tools Like Lunchclub or Alignable
These platforms connect entrepreneurs for 1:1 networking or conversation matchmaking.
10. Keep the Connection Alive
Check in quarterly. A quick “Thinking of you” email or DM keeps the energy warm.
🧠 10 Tips for Building Career-Based Relationships
1. Join Industry-Specific Forums or LinkedIn Groups
These are rich in opportunities to meet peers, thought leaders, or even future employers.
2. Request Informational Interviews
Reach out to someone you admire and ask to learn about their journey — without asking for a job.
3. Attend Virtual Workshops or Local Events
Showing up signals professionalism and eagerness to grow.
4. Send Handwritten Thank-You Notes or Emails
Gratitude sets you apart in a digital world.
5. Offer Your Expertise on a Project
Volunteering time on the right opportunity may spark a relationship that pays dividends later.
6. Add Value on LinkedIn
Post insightful comments or share curated content relevant to your field.
7. Stay Connected with Alumni
Former classmates, colleagues, and professors often lead to referrals or advice.
8. Ask for Introductions Thoughtfully
When reaching out to someone, make it easy for them to connect you by stating a clear reason.
9. Join a Professional Association
These memberships often include mixers, learning sessions, and leadership tracks.
10. Keep an “Inner Circle” List
Track 5-10 people to stay in touch with consistently and intentionally.
💖10 Tips for Cultivating Personal Friendships (Even If You Feel Like You Have None)
1. Reconnect With People You Already Know
Reach out to a former neighbor, coworker, or classmate you enjoyed.
2. Join a Club or Class that Interest You
A book club, tai chi class, or crafting can be a low-pressure place to meet people.
3. Be Vulnerable
If you're feeling isolated, say it out loud to someone safe. Honesty breeds connection.
4. Invite Someone for Coffee or a Walk
Start simple. Most people are more open than we assume.
5. Say Yes to Social Invites (Even When It's Hard)
Getting out there is a muscle. Flex it.
6. Show up Regularly to the Same Places
Consistency breeds familiarity. Familiarity builds connections.
7. Be the Initiator
Don't wait to be invited. Be the one who reaches out first.
8. Practice Active Listening
Everyone wants to be heard. Listening well creates loyalty.
9. Send Notes of Encouragement or Small Gifts
A kind gesture, even digital, goes a long way.
10. Celebrate the Small Things Together
Invite someone to share a win, a milestone, or even a fun idea — friendships form in shared joy.
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Now that we have these invaluable action steps, we must implement them if they are not part of our lives yet.
In addition, here are programs and mentors that have also helped me to grow, and may be perfect for your journey as well. But first, if you are not a member of Ruth’s Growth Circle, please join now for content and resources to enhance your business, career and life, and download a free copy of my “STOP Playing Small: Grow into Your Purpose!” Planner! to help get you started.
Connie Ragen Green's Mentoring Programs
Connie's approach to building-business, partnerships and friendships has guided me in more ways than one. I just completed her book, Living the Mentored Life, which gives you a bird’s eye on the power of a mentor throughout your life. We all have had mentors in our lives, whether we recognized them or not as such, but they helped and inspired us on our journey. I have also enjoyed being mentored in Connie's Syndication Optimization program. It teaches us how to optimize our business and services across various platforms.
Angela Wills' FreedomPreneurs Membership
Not only do I enjoy the fact that Angela's membership gives you free access to her courses, such as Unbreakable Mindset, Core Marketing Message, and ThriveCart Kickstart. Each one has helped me further my goals, and I cannot wait to dig into the next one. But remember, if you join her membership, you make it rain — with all of her great courses and invaluable knowledge! And recently, she added the VIP Star Client Day, whereby she gives you five hours of nonstop focus to complete a nagging task, such as completing your website. For a flat fee, you can get it done and finally sleep better at night!
There is also Ellen Finkelstein’s Multiply Your Business with Partnering Workshop, another great resource that puts theory into practice by showing you how you can leverage your resources — a must if you want to grow! And while its focus is affiliate marketing, as Ellen puts it, affiliate marketing is only a piece of the puzzle.
As we journey together, and make friends and build partnerships, I cannot stress enough that you must have the right mindset to succeed. This does not mean that you have to be in the right mindset when you start out, but you must be open to learning how you can achieve one. That is why I once again recommend T. Harv Eker’s Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth. And I always will. It helped me to clarify why I had faltered in life. Moreover, it shows us that where we are in life is very much linked to our childhood.
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I’m Ruth Anita Foote, an award-winning journalist, historian, author, and online entrepreneur — passionate about helping you enhance your business, career, and lifestyle. Whether you need writing, editing, research, or online business development, I’m here to support your growth. My goal is to empower you to elevate your success and make a lasting impact in your field. You can connect to all my social media platforms through Linktr.ee.
