Build Relationships First: Empathy Wins Every Time

When I started in this industry, it wasn’t for the potential money. Truth be told, in the early days, I barely broke even. Whether I was building my portfolio or bending over backward to give clients every last thing on their wish list, I often found myself investing more than I earned.

But I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything. Why? Because they taught me the value of empathy—not just as a person, but as a professional. Over the years, I’ve learned how to balance that empathy with making a living. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth it.

Empathy: The Foundation of Relationships

From the start, I’ve had a knack for building solid relationships with my clients. Whether it’s understanding their unique challenges or simply taking the time to listen, empathy has been my secret weapon. And guess what? It’s worked.

Clients I worked with years ago still reach out for new projects. Many have sent referrals my way, and a handful of them have even become close friends. It’s not because I’ve mastered some magic sales tactic—it’s because I genuinely care about connecting with people.

The Money Will Come

I’ll be honest: early on, I worried if all that empathy might hold me back financially. But what I’ve discovered is that empathy pays dividends—not just in dollar signs, but in trust, loyalty, and reputation.

When people feel seen, heard, and valued, they don’t just stick around; they bring others along. And while it’s important to find balance, I’ve learned that leading with connection almost always pays off.

Why Empathy Is the MVP

Think about it: in a world where people are bombarded with ads, pitches, and sales tactics, what stands out? Genuine connection. People want to feel like they matter, not just as customers but as individuals.

When you take the time to build relationships before you sell, something magical happens. Clients trust you more. They believe in you more. They start to root for your success because they feel like they’re part of your journey.

Lessons in Balance

That doesn’t mean you should throw financial sense out the window. I’ve learned the hard way that empathy and business smarts go hand in hand. These days, I make sure to deliver what’s promised without overextending myself. It’s a delicate dance, but one that gets easier with time.

The truth is, people buy into people before they buy products or services. If they feel connected to you, they’ll naturally gravitate toward what you’re offering. That’s why empathy isn’t just an underrated business tool—it’s essential.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, my career has been built on relationships, not transactions. It’s about showing up, caring, and being real with the people you work with.

So, if you’re wondering how to stand out in business, start here: lead with empathy. Build relationships before selling. Trust me, the return on investment is better than anything money can buy.