How community can help build your business with Kristina Bartold

Jan 07, 2025
 

The Power of Community: How Building Relationships Can Transform Your Business

When it comes to growing a business, many entrepreneurs think success is all about strategy, marketing, and sales tactics. But what if I told you that the real magic lies in something much simpler? Community.

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Kristina Barthold, CEO of The Social Snippet, about the importance of community, relationship-building, and how meaningful connections can accelerate business growth. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, there's so much to learn from how Kristina has scaled her business through intentional networking and fostering real connections.

Community: More Than Just a Buzzword

The word "community" gets thrown around a lot in the online business space, but what does it actually mean? For Kristina, it’s all about building an engaged audience who knows, likes, and trusts you. It’s not about follower count—it’s about connection.

“I've seen people with 500 followers thrive, and others with 50,000 struggle,” she shared. “It’s about who truly connects with you and is ready to buy when the time comes.”

This is exactly why nurture content is so important. It’s the bridge between someone discovering you and eventually buying from you. It’s about consistently showing up, providing value, and making sure your audience sees you as someone who genuinely cares.

The Reality of Online Business Growth

If you’ve ever felt frustrated about slow sales or engagement, you’re not alone. So many entrepreneurs start their businesses thinking, “I’ll just launch a course and make money in my sleep!” But the truth is, success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a process.

“Marketing is really just relationship-building,” I told Kristina. And she agreed. The most successful businesses are built on trust and connection, not just flashy marketing tactics.

One of Kristina’s biggest business strengths? Follow-ups. She doesn’t just let connections fade away—she checks in, sends voice notes, and genuinely cares about the people in her world.

“I have no attachment to sales,” she said. “I will never sell something to someone I don’t think is a good fit. Instead, I focus on relationships.”

The Role of In-Person Networking

Online connections are great, but there’s something about meeting people face-to-face that takes relationships to the next level. Kristina and her business partner, Maria, found that traveling to U.S.-based business events helped them grow faster—not because of the location, but because of the people they met.

They took this experience and created High Vibe Women, an in-person networking and business event in Canada designed to bring entrepreneurial women together. Why? Because so many women in business feel lonely, and there’s nothing quite like being in a room full of like-minded people who truly get it.

Finding the Right Events for You

Not all events are the right fit for everyone. Kristina emphasized the importance of setting an intention before attending a networking event or mastermind.

“Some people love huge events, while others thrive in smaller, more intimate settings. Know what works best for you so you can get the most out of your experience.”

Her tip? Don’t just go to events for the sake of going—go with a purpose. Are you there to learn? To meet new people? To find collaborations? Be clear about what you want so you can make the most of it.

Building a Business Through Relationships

At the heart of Kristina’s success is one simple but powerful principle: people remember how you make them feel.

She makes sure her clients feel valued, whether that’s by celebrating their wins, sending a thoughtful note, or simply making them feel heard. And that’s something every entrepreneur can do—whether you have one client or 100.

So if you’re feeling stuck in your business, ask yourself: Am I truly connecting with my audience? Am I building relationships, or just posting and hoping for the best?

Your success isn’t just about your marketing strategy—it’s about the community you build along the way. And if you do it right, that community will support you, refer you, and help your business grow in ways you never expected.

 

CONNECT WITH KRISTINA!
Instagram: kristina.bartold and thesocialsnippet
Website: thesocialsnippet.com
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