In a world where business often feels impersonal and purely transactional, I’ve found that true success lies in building genuine relationships. But this perspective didn’t come from any book or seminar; it came from someone who profoundly shaped my life—my mother, Grace. She didn’t run a business, but her approach to people was about connection. From an early age, she taught me that meaningful relationships are built on one powerful foundation: gratitude.

Growing up, I saw how my mother would go out of her way to show appreciation for the people around her. She made people feel valued through small gestures—a kind note, a warm conversation, or a thoughtful gift. She could turn any interaction into a connection, leaving people feeling seen and appreciated. I didn’t realize it then, but my mother was teaching me one of the most valuable lessons I would carry into my own life and business: gratitude creates connection.

In honor of her legacy, I’ve built my approach to business around this very principle—an approach I like to call "Gratitude by Grace." It’s the idea that no matter how many contacts you have or how many networking events you attend, what matters most is how you treat the people you meet along the way. When you lead with kindness and appreciation, something magical happens: contacts turn into connections, and those connections become the foundation for long-term success.

Why Gratitude Matters in Business

Business is often seen as a numbers game. We’re told to focus on growing our email lists, expanding our networks, and increasing sales. But what gets lost in this numbers-driven approach is the simple fact that behind every contact, every number, is a person. And people don’t just want to be sold to—they want to feel valued.

This is where gratitude becomes so important. It’s not about sending a thank-you note after every meeting or following a script of politeness. It’s about truly appreciating the person on the other side of the interaction. When we take the time to express genuine appreciation, we’re not just building a professional relationship—we’re building trust, respect, and loyalty. These are the kinds of connections that last.

I’ll give you a personal example. A few years ago, I attended a business networking event. Like most people, I walked away with a stack of business cards. Normally, I might have followed up with a few quick emails or connected with people on LinkedIn, but this time, I decided to do something different. Inspired by my mother’s approach to connection, I wrote a personalized note to each person I met, thanking them for their time and highlighting something specific we’d talked about.

What happened next surprised me. People didn’t just respond—they were genuinely touched. Many reached out to thank me for the personal touch, and over time, those initial contacts developed into meaningful business relationships. Some of those connections even became long-term partners and clients. The simple act of expressing gratitude helped me stand out in a sea of follow-up emails and automated messages. That’s the power of gratitude. It creates a lasting impression that goes far beyond a single business interaction.

How to Turn Contacts Into Connections

We all have contacts—whether it’s people we meet at networking events, potential clients, or colleagues in our industry. But how do we take that initial interaction and turn it into something more meaningful? The answer lies in a few simple steps, all grounded in the principle of gratitude.

1. Follow-Up With a Personal Touch: After meeting someone, don’t just send a generic follow-up email. Take the time to mention something specific from your conversation and express genuine appreciation for their time. It could be as simple as, “I really enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic], and I appreciate your insight on [specific point].” Adding a personal touch shows that you’re truly interested in building a relationship, not just closing a deal.

2. Stay Consistent: Relationships aren’t built overnight. Just like in our personal lives, business connections require consistent effort to grow. Make it a habit to check in with people periodically—not just when you need something. Whether it’s sending a quick note to ask how they’re doing or sharing a resource you think they might find useful, staying top of mind helps deepen the relationship over time.
   

3. Show Genuine Interest: When you’re building a connection, it’s not all about what the other person can do for you. Show genuine interest in their goals, challenges, and successes. Ask questions, listen actively, and offer support where you can. People appreciate being seen and heard, and when you show interest in their well-being, you create a deeper, more authentic connection.

4. Express Gratitude Regularly: Don’t wait for special occasions to show appreciation. Make gratitude a regular part of your relationship-building process. Whether it’s a quick note of thanks after a meeting or a thoughtful gesture to celebrate a milestone, these small acts of kindness can have a big impact. As my mother used to say, “It’s the little things that count the most.”

5. Give Without Expecting Anything in Return: Finally, approach your connections with a mindset of giving, not taking. Offer value, share resources, and support others without expecting anything in return. When you lead with generosity and kindness, people remember you—and often, they’ll be more than happy to return the favor when the time comes.
   

A Client Success Story: Gratitude in Action

Let me tell you about one of my clients who embraced this approach of gratitude and connection. She was a business owner who struggled with retaining clients. She was great at making initial contacts, but those relationships rarely turned into long-term partnerships. After we talked about the power of gratitude, she decided to implement a simple strategy: sending personalized cards to her clients on their birthdays, holidays, or just to say thank you.

The results were incredible. Not only did her client retention rates improve, but her clients started referring more business to her. One client even told her, “I’ve never had anyone go out of their way to show they care like this. It made me realize how much you value our partnership.” By incorporating gratitude into her business, she was able to turn casual contacts into loyal, long-term connections that fueled her growth.

Let Gratitude Guide Your Business

If there’s one thing my mother, Grace, taught me, it’s that gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s an action. It’s about showing people that they matter, whether in business or life. And when you lead with gratitude, you don’t just create contacts; you create lasting, meaningful connections.

Ready to start building connections that last? I’d love to help you incorporate more gratitude into your business strategy. Let’s chat about how thoughtful gestures and authentic relationship-building can help you grow your business, just like it did for my clients.