January may be behind us, but the real work of 2025 is just getting started. As we chase ambitious goals, it’s easy to focus on tasks and strategies—but here’s the truth: no matter how well-crafted your plans are, your success depends as much on who you’re connecting with and how you’re building those relationships. Goals are achieved through collaboration, trust, and meaningful partnerships—relationships that don’t just support your work but amplify your impact.

Whether you are leading a team, working with clients, or collaborating with stakeholders, the strength of your relationships—built on mutual respect, understanding, and clear communication—is what truly drives progress and fuels meaningful outcomes.

I encourage you to approach each interaction with purpose—be present, listen actively, and leave others with a positive impression that fosters trust and inspires collaboration. By doing so, you’ll create opportunities to build meaningful relationships that can open new doors and drive success throughout the year.

The Power of First Impressions

First impressions, both professional and personal, are powerful – they set the tone for your entire relationship. Princeton psychologists Janine Willis and Alexander Todorov revealed that it takes only a tenth of a second to form a first impression of someone. Once made, these impressions can be difficult to change, often requiring consistent positive and professional interactions over time to shift. Before meeting someone for the first time, do you take the time to reflect on how you can make the interaction positive and set the stage for success?

Actionable Steps:

• • Start with active listening: Let the other person speak first. You demonstrate respect by giving them space to share their thoughts, questions, or goals and set the stage for collaboration.
  • Be authentic and relatable: Find common ground through shared interests or mutual connections and let your authenticity shine through.
  • Add a personal touch: Use humor or relatable anecdotes to humanize the conversation and build rapport. Being honest and genuine helps others feel comfortable and connected.

Why it Matters:

People do business with those they like and trust. Starting on the right foot ensures the time needed to build that trust. With just a fraction of a second to make a first impression, it’s essential to be intentional and authentic in every interaction to lay the groundwork for long-term relationships.

Preparation Builds Confidence

As a leader, your ability to prepare effectively sets the tone for how others perceive your professionalism, expertise, and respect for their time. Whether you’re meeting with clients, stakeholders, or team members, preparation demonstrates that you’re fully invested in achieving shared goals.

Actionable Steps:

• • Understand the context: Research your clients, stakeholders, or team members beforehand using tools like LinkedIn, company news, and industry reports to understand their priorities, challenges, and opportunities.
  • Tailor your communication: Align your messaging to their specific needs and goals, incorporating relevant terminology or examples that resonate with their organization or industry.
  • Define success: Before every meeting or interaction, ask yourself, “What would success look like for them?” Use this as a guide to shape your approach and ensure your contribution adds value.

Why it Matters:

When you’re well-prepared, you project confidence and competence, making others feel reassured and valued. Leaders who prioritize preparation build trust, foster stronger relationships, and create a foundation for productive and successful collaboration.

Small Gestures, Big Impact

Your thoughtfulness and attention to detail can transform routine into meaningful connections. Small, intentional actions show others that you care, turning transactional relationships into partnerships built on trust and mutual respect. 

Actionable Steps:

• Communicate proactively: Keep your team, clients, or stakeholders informed at critical milestones. Proactive communication reduces uncertainty and demonstrates reliability.
• Anticipate needs: Show initiative by addressing potential challenges or offering support, whether it’s adjusting meeting schedules, helping with logistics, or simplifying processes.
• Personalize interactions: Reference shared successes, mutual experiences, or inside jokes to create a sense of connection and familiarity.

Why it Matters:

Small, thoughtful gestures amplify your leadership presence by showing that you value others’ time and effort. These actions build trust, strengthen relationships, and leave a lasting impression that motivates people to go the extra mile with you.

Tailor Your Approach for Greater Impact

Whether you’re working with clients, stakeholders, or teams, everyone appreciates personalized attention. Your ability to personalize your approach demonstrates empathy, strategic thinking, and a commitment to understanding the needs of those you work with. Thoughtful customization shows that you’ve taken the time to understand their unique needs, values, and goals, which can make all the difference in building trust and engagement.

Actionable Steps:

• Do your homework: Research the company, team, or individuals you’re engaging with. Look into their industry trends, recent achievements, or key challenges, and use these insights to tailor your approach.
• Acknowledge successes and goals: Recognize accomplishments or shared objectives to make interactions more relatable and inspiring. Align your messaging with their priorities to demonstrate your shared focus.
• Create meaningful connections: Align their values or mission with your leadership vision, showing how your efforts address their specific challenges or opportunities in a way that resonates.

Why it Matters:

By tailoring your approach, you strengthen relationships, build trust, and ensure that others feel valued and understood. Whether you’re presenting ideas, negotiating deals, or collaborating on projects, tailoring your approach fosters stronger relationships and ensures others feel valued and understood. This attention to detail fosters long-term loyalty and creates an environment where collaboration thrives. 

Closing Thought:

Strong relationships don’t happen by chance—they’re built with intention, preparation, and a genuine investment in the success of others. As leaders, the way we show up in every interaction shapes the trust, collaboration, and results we achieve. These connections aren’t just an advantage—they’re the foundation for lasting impact.

What intentional steps will you take in your next interaction to build trust and strengthen relationships? I’d love to hear how you’re applying these strategies or share ideas to support your leadership journey—feel free to reach out at jenny@jennyreilly.com.

Let’s Work Together!

Great leadership starts with intentional action—and I’m here to help you and your organization achieve even greater success. Whether you need guidance on leadership coaching, business consulting, or facilitation, I’m ready to partner with you to create meaningful results.

I specialize in:

• Strategic Retreats: Facilitating transformative sessions to align leadership teams, drive clarity, and set actionable goals.
• Business Consulting: Helping organizations navigate challenges, strengthen team effectiveness, and implement strategies for sustained success.
• Leadership Coaching: Empowering business owners, C-Suite executives, and emerging leaders to enhance communication, decision-making, and overall impact.
• Keynote Speaking and Workshop Facilitation: Delivering dynamic presentations and workshops designed to engage, inspire, and drive action.

If you’re planning a retreat, organizing a conference, or seeking a trusted partner to elevate your team or business, let’s connect. And if someone in your network could benefit from my expertise, I’d be grateful for your referral.

Ready to start the conversation? Email me at jenny@jennyreilly.com, and let’s explore how we can work together to achieve your goals.