When You Start Giving What You Want, Your Business Shifts

Have you ever sat down and written out every frustration you were feeling in your business?

I remember doing that clearly when I started my very first business. On the outside, things looked fine. Clients were coming in. Work was happening. But inside, I felt stuck. Progress felt slower than I wanted. Support felt limited. Referrals were inconsistent. And no matter how hard I worked, something felt off.

One day, instead of trying to push through it, I grabbed a notebook and decided to write everything down. Every frustration. Every irritation. Every quiet thought I had been carrying around. The list was long. Page after page of things that were not working the way I hoped they would.

But something interesting happened once it was all on paper. The noise in my head quieted. I stopped replaying the same thoughts over and over. And as I read through the list, I started to notice patterns.

Most of the things I wanted were things I was not consistently offering to others.

I wanted more support.
More connection.
More referrals.
More engagement.

And that is when the shift began. If I wanted those things, maybe I needed to start giving them first.

Starting with Small, Intentional Actions

I did not overhaul my entire business overnight. Instead, I focused on small, intentional actions. The kind that seem simple, but when done consistently, change everything.

I started by saying thank you more often. Not just when someone bought something, but when they took the time to share feedback, comment on a post, or have a conversation with me. A genuine thank you, given freely, makes people feel seen.

I also began sending short notes. Sometimes by email. Sometimes by handwritten card. Nothing fancy. Just a few honest words to let someone know I appreciated them. These notes were not tied to an ask. They were simply about connection.

Then I made a small but meaningful change to my email signature. I added a line that felt true to me:
“I love referrals. Thank you for thinking of me.”

It was not pushy. It was clear and appreciative. And it reminded people that referrals mattered and were welcome.

Being More Intentional Online

Another big shift came from how I showed up on social media.

I stopped relying on the like button.

A like is quick, but it disappears fast. A comment or a share keeps a post alive and shows real support. When I commented, I made sure it was thoughtful and intentional. More than a few words. Something that added value or encouragement.

Simple comments like:
“This is such a great idea.”
“I really appreciate how you explained this.”
“I highly recommend this. You do wonderful work.”

Those few extra words take very little effort, but they leave a lasting impression. People remember who shows up for them consistently.

Learning the True Value of Referrals

Then there are referrals. One of the most powerful and often misunderstood parts of business.

Not everyone understands how valuable a referral is unless you tell them. When someone introduces you to a client, shares your name, or opens a door for you, that is a gift.

I learned to acknowledge referrals quickly and personally. A message. A call. A handwritten card when possible. Sometimes I include a couple of business cards or a small coffee gift card printed at home. It is not about the size of the gesture. It is about the intention behind it.

When people feel appreciated, they remember that feeling. And they are far more likely to support you again.

The Ripple Effect of Giving First

What surprised me most was how these small actions changed the energy of my business. Conversations felt warmer. Relationships deepened. Opportunities appeared naturally, without forcing them.

The little things created a ripple effect. People felt valued. They felt supported. And in return, they wanted to support me.

Building a business is not just about strategy or systems. It is about relationships. And relationships are built one thoughtful action at a time.

A Question Worth Asking

So here is a question I often come back to. What is one small gesture you could offer today that would make someone feel appreciated?

It does not need to be big. It just needs to be genuine.

Because when you start giving what you want, everything begins to shift.

How I Can Support You

If building relationships in business has ever felt awkward, overwhelming, or unclear, you are not alone. I work with people who want networking to feel natural, purposeful, and supportive of their goals.

I help you build confidence in connecting with others, strengthen meaningful relationships, and create a networking approach that fits who you are.

If you would like ongoing encouragement, practical tips, and updates on upcoming events, you can join my monthly newsletter here:
https://www.networkingnaturally.ca/contact

And if you enjoy learning through real conversations and stories, you may enjoy the Networking Naturally podcast here:
https://www.networkingnaturally.ca/podcast

Networking does not have to feel hard. With intention and small thoughtful actions, it can become something you truly enjoy.