by Greg Pritchard

Executive Business Coach / Change Leadership / Growth, Exit and Succession / Conversational Intelligence Coach (C-IQ)

You Can't Grow What You Don't Cultivate: The Real Power of Relationships

Most professionals spend more time perfecting their resumes or polishing their pitches than nurturing the very thing that determines whether they get the opportunity (or the business) in the first place: their powerbase.

Your powerbase is the network of professional relationships that support you, advocate for you, and keep you in the loop when the next big referral or opportunity arises.

Your powerbase is your invisible asset—quietly working behind the scenes, opening doors you didn't even know existed.

"Your network is your net worth." — Porter Gale

But here's the twist: it's not just who you know; it's how you nurture the relationship, what value you create, and whether you're showing up with presence and purpose.

What Happens When You Don’t Build Your Powerbase?

Have you ever:

• Found out about a major opportunity after someone else got it?
• Seen someone less qualified chosen for a project or promotion?
• Felt like you're working hard but not getting noticed?

Chances are, it's not your talent holding you back. It might just be a weak or inactive powerbase.

Why Your Powerbase Matters

“Dig your well before you’re thirsty.” — Harvey Mackay

Your powerbase doesn't just connect you to opportunities—it connects you to:

• Supporters who believe in you.
• Sponsors who put your name forward in key discussions.
• Trusted allies who challenge your thinking and fuel your growth.

These relationships become the filter through which strategic information and access flow.

Techniques for Building a Powerbase That Works

1. Audit Your Current Relationships

Ask: Who do I currently rely on for feedback, referrals, advocacy, or insight? Who do I support in return?

Critical Question: Can you name 5 people who consistently send valuable opportunities your way?

2. Model the Masters

Look at people in your industry known for their influence. Study how they engage others, how they follow up, how they create value without expectation.

Tip: Keep a "Relationship Journal" to record what you learn and apply.

3. Create a Consistency Ritual

Relationships fade without touchpoints. Set weekly or monthly habits to reach out, reconnect, or offer value.

"Networking is not collecting contacts. Networking is about planting relations." — MiSha.at

4. Understand Your Style

Use assessments (like DiSC or MBTI) to learn how your natural tendencies influence how you connect, lead, and persuade.

Critical Question: Are you leaning into your strengths or unknowingly repelling others?

5. Ask for Introductions Strategically

Don't just meet people—connect with those who can stretch your thinking or open new paths.

Tip: Make it easy for your contacts to refer you by giving them clear information – what you do, how you do it better, who a good referral for you would be. Your story has power when you deliver results.

What You Might Not Know (But Should)

Are you nurturing relationships outside of your immediate industry or comfort zone?

When was the last time you connected with someone just to help them?

Have you intentionally shaped how others perceive your presence and value?

"Success in any field, but especially in business, is about working with people, not against them." — Keith Ferrazzi

Final Thought: The Best Opportunities Never Hit the Open Market

They go to those who are already known, trusted, and respected.

Building your powerbase is not a vanity project; it is a strategic necessity.

So, ask yourself:

What would your life and career look like if you were always top of mind for the best opportunities?

Start planting the seeds of influence today. Your future self will thank you.