Last week, we introduced you to the three circles.

This week, we're telling you exactly how to work them.

Because knowing the circles exist doesn't help if you don't know what to actually DO with them.

And here's what most business owners get wrong: They think relationship building means showing up everywhere, commenting on everything, and being constantly visible.

That's not relationship building.

That's exhausting yourself into burnout while wondering why nobody's converting.

The Real Strategy

Relationship building isn't about volume.

It's about intentionality.

You don't need to engage with 100 people.

You need to engage meaningfully with 9.

Three from each circle.

That's it.

And when you do it right, at least one of those nine becomes a client, referral partner, or collaboration opportunity within 30 days.

Circle 1: How to Actually Deepen Relationships With Your People

Your goal with Circle 1: Make them feel seen, celebrated, and valued.

Not sold to.

Valued.

Here's what that looks like:

Action 1: Respond to Every Comment Within 24 Hours

When someone from Circle 1 comments on your post, reply with something meaningful.

Not "Thanks!"

Not "I appreciate you!"

Actually engage.

Example:

• Their comment: "This really resonates. I've been struggling with this exact thing."

• Your response: "I remember you mentioning this last month. Have you tried [specific strategy]? I think it could help with what you're building right now."

You're showing you remember them.

You're providing value.

You're deepening the relationship.

Action 2: Feature Their Wins Publicly

Once a week, celebrate someone from Circle 1.

Tag them.

Highlight what they've accomplished.

Make them the hero.

Example post: "Can we talk about [Name] for a second? Six months ago, she was drowning in client delivery. This week, she just onboarded her first VA and closed two new clients. This is what happens when you actually build the systems. So proud of you, [Name]."

They feel seen.

Their network sees you celebrating them.

And you've just reminded everyone that you help people get results.

Action 3: Send One Personalized Message Per Week

Pick one person from Circle 1 each week.

Send them a message that has nothing to do with selling.

Just check in.

Example: "Hey [Name], I saw you posted about [their win/struggle]. Just wanted to say congratulations / I'm cheering for you / I've been there and it gets better. If you ever want to talk strategy, I'm here."

That's it.

No pitch.

No ask.

Just genuine connection.

Action 4: Ask for Specific Referrals (Not Generic Ones)

When you ask Circle 1 for referrals, don't say "Do you know anyone who needs my services?"

That's too vague.

Be specific.

Example: "Hey [Name], I'm looking to work with 2-3 more functional medicine practitioners who are overwhelmed by client management and want to build systems. Do you know anyone in that space who might be a fit?"

Specific asks get specific referrals.

Generic asks get nothing.

Circle 2: How to Actually Build With Your Peers

Your goal with Circle 2: Become someone they notice, trust, and want to collaborate with.

Not compete with.

Collaborate with.

Here's what that looks like:

Action 1: Comment Thoughtfully on Their Posts (Not Generically)

Stop leaving comments like "Great post!" or "Love this!"

Those are noise.

Instead, add real value.

Example:

Their post: "I just launched my new coaching program and I'm nervous about the response."

Your comment: "I love that you're leading with the transformation instead of the features. That's what actually converts. And the nervous feeling? That means you care about the outcome. That's the energy that attracts the right people. Rooting for you."

You've shown you actually read it.

You've added insight.

You've celebrated them.

They remember you.

Action 2: Share Their Content (With Context)

Once a week, share something from a Circle 2 peer.

But don't just repost it.

Add your perspective.

Example: "[Name] just posted something I wish I'd read five years ago: [key insight from their post]. If you're a coach trying to scale beyond 1:1, read this. She's breaking down exactly what most people get wrong about leverage."

You've amplified their work.

You've shown your audience you're not threatened by other experts.

You've built goodwill.

Action 3: Propose Specific Collaboration Ideas

Don't wait for collaboration to happen.

Initiate it.

But be specific.

Example: "Hey [Name], I've been thinking about our audiences. You focus on sales, I focus on systems. What if we co-hosted a workshop on 'Close More Deals + Deliver Faster'? I think our people would love it. Want to brainstorm?"

Specific collaboration ideas get yes.

Vague "we should work together sometime" gets ignored.

Action 4: Make Introductions

If you know someone who needs what your Circle 2 peer offers, introduce them.

Example: "[Name], meet [Name]. [Peer] is the best sales coach I know, and [Client] you just mentioned you're looking for help with closing. You two should talk."

You've provided value to both.

You've strengthened both relationships.

And you've positioned yourself as a connector.

Circle 3: How to Actually Warm Up Your Prospects

Your goal with Circle 3: Build trust before you ever ask for anything.

Not pitch.

Build trust.

Here's what that looks like:

Action 1: Engage on Their Content Generously

Show up where they're already showing up.

Add value.

Answer their questions.

Share insights.

Example:

• Their post: "What's the biggest challenge you're facing in your business right now?"

• Your comment: "For me, it's been balancing client delivery with business development. I've found that blocking time for both (not trying to do both at once) has helped. Curious what others are experiencing."

You've engaged.

You've added value.

You've shown you're thoughtful.

You haven't pitched.

Action 2: Provide Value Without Asking for Anything

If you see a Circle 3 prospect struggling with something you can help with, help.

Don't pitch.

Just provide value.

Example: They post: "Does anyone have a good CRM recommendation for coaches?"

Your response: "I've worked with a lot of coaches on this. The right CRM depends on whether you're doing 1:1, group, or hybrid. Happy to send you a comparison guide I put together if helpful. No strings attached, just info."

You've positioned yourself as helpful.

You've shown expertise.

You haven't sold.

Action 3: Only After Consistent Engagement, Send a Thoughtful DM

After you've engaged on their content 3-5 times and they've noticed you (liked your comments, responded, etc.), THEN you can send a DM.

But not a pitch.

A conversation.

Example: "Hey [Name], I've been following your work on [topic] and really appreciate your perspective on [specific thing]. I'm curious—what's your biggest focus right now? I'm always interested in what people in this space are working on."

You're starting a conversation.

Not making an ask.

Action 4: Wait for the Right Moment to Suggest a Meeting

Only after you've built trust, provided value, and had real conversations do you suggest a meeting.

And even then, make it about them.

Example: "I've been thinking about what you mentioned—[their challenge]. I have some ideas that might help based on work I've done with similar situations. Want to hop on a quick call and brainstorm? No pitch, just strategy."

You've earned the right to ask.

Because you built trust first.

The Weekly Engagement Plan

Here's what this looks like in practice:

Monday:

Circle 1: Reply to all comments from last week. Feature one win.

Circle 2: Engage thoughtfully on 2 peer posts.

Circle 3: Engage on 1 prospect post.

Wednesday:

Circle 1: Send 1 personalized message.

Circle 2: Share one peer's content with your perspective.

Circle 3: If they've engaged back, provide value.

Friday:

Circle 1: Ask 1 person for a specific referral.

Circle 2: Engage on 1 more peer post or propose collaboration.

Circle 3: Engage on 1 more prospect post.

That's it.

10 minutes a day.

But intentional.

The Question We're Asking

Are you ready to stop random engagement and start strategic relationship building?

Because the business owners who land clients aren't the ones engaging with everyone.

They're the ones engaging intentionally with the right people.

And that starts this week.

Action Steps:

• Identify 3 people from each circle (9 total).

• Follow the engagement plan for each circle this week.

• Track what happens (responses, conversations, opportunities).

• Notice how different intentional engagement feels from random posting.