Building Better Relationships: Five Takeaways from Eddy Arriola’s, “It’s All About Relationships”

The conversation reinforced something we see every day in media, business, and client service: strong relationships are often the difference between simply doing business and building long-term success. 

In It’s All About Relationships, Eddy argues that relationships are not just a “soft skill” – they are a measurable strategic advantage. Whether leading a company, growing a business, managing a team, or navigating professional transitions, he makes the case that trust, consistency, and authentic connection drive results. 

At its core, the message is simple: breakthroughs in business often begin with breakthroughs in relationships. 

Five Relationship-Building Strategies That Can Move The Needle 

Here are a few key takeaways inspired by the conversation and themes throughout the book that can help strengthen existing relationships or create meaningful new ones: 

1. Find the Connector Point 

One of the most practical insights discussed was how to navigate entering an already established group. Instead of trying to win over everyone at once, identify one authentic point of connection with a single person. That relationship often becomes the bridge into a larger network. 

Whether joining a new company, attending an industry event, or entering a new market, relationships tend to scale outward from trust built one person at a time. 

The key, however, is authenticity. Relationships are about more than transactions. Invest in them genuinely. 

2. Consistency Builds Trust 

A major theme throughout It’s All About Relationships is that leadership is earned through consistency, accountability, and follow-through not just hierarchy alone. 

People remember: 

• whether you showed up,  
• whether you followed through,  
• and how you treated them when there was nothing immediate to gain.  

In business and communications especially, long-term trust is often built quietly over time through responsiveness and mutual respect. 

3. Listen to What People Actually Need 

Strong relationship builders don’t just wait for their turn to speak rather they actively listen for priorities, challenges, and motivations. Arriola emphasizes alignment across leadership teams and organizations, and that starts with understanding what matters to the people around you. 

In practice, that could mean: 

• asking more thoughtful follow-up questions,  
• remembering details from prior conversations,  
• or understanding someone’s goals before pitching your own ideas.  

People are far more likely to trust those who demonstrate genuine interest and curiosity. 

4. Relationships Require Ongoing Investment 

One of the biggest misconceptions about networking is that relationships only matter when you need something. The strongest professional relationships are maintained consistently, and not just during moments of opportunity or crisis. 

That can be as simple as: 

• checking in periodically,  
• sharing a relevant article,  
• congratulating someone on a milestone,  
• or making introductions without expecting anything in return.  

Arriola’s framework repeatedly returns to the idea that trust compounds over time. 

5. Be Self-Aware 

Interestingly, one of the six relationship arenas in the book focuses inward: relationships with oneself and family. That’s because communication, leadership, and trust externally are often shaped by self-awareness internally. 

People gravitate toward leaders and professionals who are: 

• grounded,  
• emotionally intelligent,  
• accountable,  
• and clear in their values.  

Whether managing a team or building a client relationship, authenticity matters and people can usually tell when it’s missing. 

In an increasingly digital and transactional world, relationships are one of the few true differentiators. Technology can accelerate communication, but trust still drives business. 

At Schwartz Media Strategies, relationship-building – with our clients, our colleagues, and our communities – is at the core of what we do. Eddy’s book is a valuable reminder that meaningful connections are not built overnight.