Relational Love in Business: Getting Busy Building Community By: Jocelyn Martin Edited by: Justin Teeuwen We are often told that competition improves performance and leads to success. But have we stopped to wonder if this kind of motivation is sustainable? When analyzed a bit more critically, competition also increases physiological stress on the body and places the success of an individual at the expense of others. So what's the alternative? Cooperation! Cooperative effort has likewise been shown to increase performance to a similar level, but without the intensive strain. When we think about business relationships, it is important to consider what function or purpose they serve. While there are relationships which do not serve a function (like when we have agapé, or true love), we will be focusing on how we build relationships to serve a purpose.To that end, consider your values and leverage your passion toward purpose. Long-term goal-setting is immensely important to prevent a passion-burnout. For more on goal setting see our recent article “The Power of Goal Setting in Life and Business.” The most valuable relationships we form are those that interconnect us. Do not allow the competitive nature of business to distract you from the potential of relational love and universal love. Although there are certainly some resources that are scarce and businesses must pursue their own interests, all businesses are situated in communities of interconnected people. When we consider the transactions of business, our relationships can deepen even further when we focus instead on building transformational relationships. Transformational relationships are those which last. They last because they are symbiotic and mutually beneficial, involving respect, generosity, and reciprocity. Businesses can work together to fulfil each other's needs and in the process, the community’s needs. We see this through the community efforts of local enterprises working together with huge conglomerates or even efforts to form their own. A transformational relationship is based on consistent commitment. Whether it’s a work friendship, a partnership, or a community commitment, the relationship lasts as long as both parties are committed to maintaining the relationship and its conditions through a matter of respect (treating another in an honourable manner), generosity (placing another’s needs before one’s own) and reciprocity (where a person should want to take care of your needs as much as you want to take care of theirs). Clear communication and trust is required for each of these criteria. This can take time to foster, but once in place this network can provide huge advantages such as a wider customer base, ease of access to mutual suppliers, and cooperative marketing campaigns. For further reading on generosity over competition, see our article on abundance mindsets and the power of gratitude. When we were just starting out, we attended many networking events. It was tempting to avoid talking and getting to know others in the personal development and coaching field. When we took a brave step, we got to know some powerful influencers, like Joe Heraldo of Headtrash Dojo. We not only grew as a business by learning from his expertise, we mutually expanded our reach and built a powerful connection in our community during our recent Meta Speaker Series. We transformed the landscape of our city by working together, generously sharing our connections, and reciprocating our promotions to the benefit of our entire business community. For more on championing transformational relationships and passion in your local business community join us for our Meta Moments or Speaker Series – specialized events for networking and self-development that you can attend for free as a community member. Stay in the loop! Find us on Instagram or LinkedIn to hear about our upcoming Speaker Series events. Hope to see you there.

Business Relations: From Competition to Cooperation

February 19, 2025•0 min read

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Jocelyn Martin

Jocelyn grew up locally in the Windsor-Essex area. After completing a double major in music and communications in 2023 she is now an MA candidate at the University of Windsor in the Communication and Social Justice program. Her research critically analyzes public figures and views communication as a means to negotiate power. This work tends to be highly interdisciplinary, with its core residing in political economy. Ultimately, she hopes to learn as much as possible so that she may better advocate for the needs of her community. She currently works at the University of Windsor as a research assistant and a graduate assistant. She has also worked numerous positions to help local businesses develop their brands and to reach their ideal audiences. Outside of academia and work Jocelyn enjoys spending time at nature conservations, painting, and gaming.

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