Building Business Relationships: learnings from a linkedin course
Introduction
In today’s professional world, success is often measured by skills, achievements, and outputs, but the relationships we build along the way are just as critical (Vuong & Nguyen, 2022). Yet, developing meaningful business connections is rarely taught in a structured way. To explore this skill, I completed a LinkedIn Learning course: Building Business Relationships led by Simon T. Bailey, focused on building authentic, trust-based relationships (Bailey, 2024).
This article reflects my learning from the first four chapters of the course, showing how relationships:
● Begin with self-awareness and values.
● Grow through trust and service.
By following this approach, anyone can turn everyday interactions into lasting professional connections that benefit both personal growth and organisational success. Understanding your personal brand is the first step in building these relationships, as it shapes how others perceive and trust you (Bailey, 2024).
Chapter 1: Relationships start with your personal brand
The course begins with a simple but powerful idea: everyone has a personal brand, whether they realise it or not. This brand is not about job titles or resumes, but it’s the story people tell about us when we’re not around. This reflects how we treat others, solve problems, and show up at work.
Key lessons include identifying personal values, reflecting on meaningful moments at work, and recognising that every online interaction be it emails, messages, or posts, contributes to this brand. Chapter 1 also introduces the “know, like, trust” idea, showing that small, thoughtful actions like showing interest in others, being present, and caring lay the foundation for strong professional relationships.
Once you understand your personal brand the next challenge is learning how to build and maintain relationships in both digital and organisational environments (Bailey, 2024).
Chapter 2: Building relationships in digital and organisational environments
With remote and hybrid work becoming common, building relationships online and within organisations is more important than ever. The course frames virtual tools as opportunities to demonstrate professionalism, warmth, and reliability.
Key strategies include:
● Being intentional with communication, such as turning on the camera and writing clear emails.
● Building connections through curiosity and service rather than self-interest.
The course also highlights managing up and connecting with leaders: trust with supervisors comes from clear communication and support, while engaging executives works best through preparation, respect, and genuine interest.
After learning how to connect effectively within organisations, the course shows that relationships deepen when we focus on impact, service, and collaboration (Bailey, 2024).
Chapter 3: Strengthening relationships through impact and service
Chapter 3 focuses on creating positive impact within professional networks. Small, thoughtful actions like helping colleagues build trust and loyalty over time.
Other lessons include storytelling to humanise interactions, collaborating across departments to learn from different perspectives, and creating a personal “board of directors” to provide feedback and support. Mentorship is also explored, with emphasis on asking thoughtful questions rather than giving answers.
Service is at the heart of Chapter 3. Helping others in ways aligned with our values strengthens relationships, builds credibility, and maintains healthy boundaries.
Once we understand how to build impact-driven relationships, the course encourages us to take the next step: connecting people, navigating conflicts, and sustaining long-term relationships (Bailey, 2024).
Chapter 4: Connecting others, navigating conflict, and sustaining relationships
Chapter 4 expands relationship-building beyond one-on-one interactions, showing how we can connect people and foster collaboration.
Key points include acting as a connector (introducing colleagues and hosting discussions) and aligning projects with personal strengths, passion, and organisational needs to create meaningful contributions. Conflict is reframed as a sign of trust and engagement, and resolving it thoughtfully strengthens relationships.
The course also emphasises sustaining relationships over time through habits such as regular check-ins, reflection, and accountability partners.
Chapter 4 reinforces that strong professional relationships are not just built on individual connections, but on fostering collaboration, handling challenges thoughtfully, and maintaining consistent habits (Bailey, 2024).
Conclusion
Across all four chapters, the course presents a clear message: strong business relationships are grounded in human connection, values-driven, and built over time. They start with understanding yourself and your personal brand, grow through trust, service, and meaningful collaboration. They are sustained through empathy, connection, and consistent habits.
Key takeaways include:
❖ Be authentic and intentional in how you show up, both online and offline.
❖ Focus on service and impact, not just personal gain.
❖ Connect others, manage conflicts thoughtfully, and maintain habits that support long-term relationships.
By following these principles, anyone can transform everyday interactions into genuine, trust-based relationships that benefit both personal growth and organisational success. The course demonstrates that building relationships is not just a skill—it is a practice that, when done with intention, strengthens careers, teams, and workplaces alike.
References
Vuong, T. D. N., & Nguyen, L. T. (2022). The Key Strategies for Measuring Employee Performance in Companies: A Systematic Review. Sustainability, 14(21), 14017. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142114017
Bailey, S. T. (2023). Building business relationships [Online course]. LinkedIn Learning. https://www.linkedin.com/learning/building-business-relationships-22374832?trk=tracker-hub_flagship_learning