Why Strong Relationships Create Business Success

By Zoë Sparks
SHINE Business Women & Spectacular Events Pty Ltd

People have created communities since time began; working together for better outcomes and wanting to feel that they are part of something and have somewhere they feel they belong. Wanting to embrace and be part of a ’community’ is a natural human instinct and a desire we all innately have, we are social creatures by default.

I often talk about the importance of surrounding ourselves with the right people and most of us know that there is nothing more powerful or motivating than mixing with like-minded people. People who have the same values, are go-getters, keen to learn, grow, develop and who practice honesty, integrity and community spirit are people most of us are drawn to. Having people like this in our lives is not only enriching but makes us feel good about ourselves and these qualities will hopefully ‘rub off’ on us and make us want to strive to be a little bit better in how we approach our daily lives.

Here are a few reasons that outline the importance of becoming part of a community and looking for people with similar outlooks to ourselves and who are positive, inspiring and encouraging:

• Inspiration and motivation – there is nothing more powerful than mixing and mingling with people who are goal orientated, and big picture focused.
• Opportunities – business opportunities, collaboration, experiences, introductions, adventures, networking and building relationships are all opportunities that arise when people come together in communities.
• Relationships – people crave social interaction and opportunities, whether they be in person, over the phone or online. Social, business, networking and friendships can all be developed through our communities.
• Learning and education – we all learn from each other and the right communities will help us to grow, develop and progress forward. Shared knowledge and experiences are invaluable to others, and give us the opportunity to problem solve, focus on our professional and personal development, and surge forward in any area we choose.
• Support – communities give us the chance to support, help, inspire, nurture and empower others. These qualities and actions make us all feel good and give us encouragement and confidence.

Building relationships is a major factor in life and business success. If you network like a champion, look at how you can contribute to your local community, consider how you can collaborate and work with others you are well on your way. Make those people and everyone you come into contact with feel special and always be kind, and you just about have a complete recipe for success.

Life is what you make it, but a fundamental part of living your best life is to surround yourself with the right people and build relationships that enrich your life with rewarding friendships and social interactions.

Zoë Sparks
SHINE Business Women & Spectacular Events Pty Ltd

Zoë Sparks has owned her award-winning travel, conference and event management company – Spectacular Events Pty Ltd – for the past twenty years. Her new division – SHINE Business Women – was launched in early 2018 and is already making a huge impact in the area of professional and personal development.

Recognised twice as a QLD Telstra ‘Business Woman of the Year’ finalist and also a winner of Sunshine Coast Outstanding Business Woman of the Year, Zoë has a proven track record for success and achievement. Zoë’s experience in small business is not only as a business owner but also as a franchisee, Board and committee member (companies and not-for-profit organisations) and volunteer.

Zoë is passionate about ‘women in business’ and reward and recognition which has led to her authoring three small business books sharing the tips and tricks she has learnt over the years. She also relishes her role as a mother to two teenage sons.