Build a Business You Love—And That Loves You Back

Let’s be honest—most of us didn’t start a business just to grind 60-hour weeks and constantly chase the next client. We started our businesses to create freedom, impact, and maybe even a little joy along the way.

But here’s the catch: building a business you love isn’t just about revenue goals or slick branding. It’s also about building a business that loves you back—a business that supports your lifestyle, honors your energy, and aligns with your long-term goals.

And one of the most overlooked keys to doing that?

Relationships.

Your Circle of Influence Shapes Your Business

Whether it’s a strategic partner who sends you referrals like clockwork, a mastermind buddy who helps you navigate tough decisions, or a client who lights you up every time you work together—people are at the heart of the business you’re building.

In my work with small business owners here in the Denver Metro area, I see this play out all the time. The entrepreneurs who thrive aren’t necessarily the ones with the flashiest marketing—they’re the ones with the strongest networks. They intentionally surround themselves with people who elevate them, challenge them, and open doors they couldn’t open alone.

If you want to build a business that fuels you, not drains you, take a closer look at your Circle of Influence.

Ask Yourself:

• Who are the three people in your network who’ve had the biggest impact on your business—and how?

  Maybe it’s a client who became your biggest ambassador, a peer who helped you refine your offer, or a referral partner who changed your cash flow.

• Are you spending time with people who challenge and elevate your thinking?

  Or are you stuck in rooms where everyone already thinks like you do?

• What kind of relationships or introductions would really move the needle right now?

  Be specific. Is it a connection to a local real estate attorney? A top-producing realtor? A digital marketing pro who gets your niche?

• How are you actively nurturing your Center of Influence so it pays long-term dividends?

  Strong networks don’t grow by accident. They grow through consistent value-sharing, follow-up, and genuine curiosity about others’ success.

Take Action: Strengthen One Key Relationship

So here’s your challenge for this week: Identify one relationship you need to strengthen—or one new type of person you need to meet—to help your business love you back.

Maybe it’s a former client you’ve lost touch with. Maybe it’s that one referral partner you’ve always meant to grab coffee with. Or maybe it’s time to join a group where meaningful business conversations actually happen (shameless plug: Network In Action is designed for exactly this!).

When you build a network with intention, you’re not just collecting business cards. You’re designing a business—and a life—that feels energizing, supportive, and deeply aligned with who you are.

Because at the end of the day, a business that loves you back is built with people who believe in you and want to see you win.