Relationships Rule

Janice Porter

Imagine that 68% of our clients leave because they feel we don’t care. Then visualize having authentic heart-based retention strategies, proven to minimize client losses, while organically generating a substantial number of loyal clients through referrals. Catch a glimpse of how Janice opens a conversation by applying her fine-tuned curiosity. Notice how genuinely interested she is in building a relationship with her guests – heart-based business owners and entrepreneurs. In mere minutes, guests generously share their most sweet and powerful retention systems that you can adopt today! As a seasoned relationship marketing specialist, Janice invites us to listen in weekly, as she reveals how to nurture and build relationships in real-time. The Relationships Rule podcast’s aim, is to help you naturally ease your networking fears, so you can adopt strategies that amplify your client list, because the facts are, that today, success is built on a foundation of strong relationships. You can relax now, knowing you can activate your relationship marketing plan, by simply tuning in to Relationships Rule each week.

  1. 11h ago

    Reclaiming Your Time Starts with Better Relationships

    I had such a great conversation with Gina Cotner, founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services, and I have a feeling this one is going to hit home for a lot of you. If you have ever told yourself, it is just easier to do it myself, you are in good company. I have said that more times than I can count. But Gina made me see that the resistance we feel around delegation is not really about the task. It is about trust, and trust is built through relationship. Gina started Athena Executive Services 10 years ago after a somewhat unexpected path that led her from being an executive assistant herself to building a firm that now pairs high-caliber, US-based virtual executive assistants with busy entrepreneurs and executives across the country. She now runs the whole operation in about 10 hours a week, and she is living proof that when you delegate well and lead with genuine care for the people around you, you get your life back. What I loved most about this conversation was how Gina connected the dots between delegation and accountability. Most of us think of those as two separate challenges. Gina sees them as deeply linked, and the thread running through both is the quality of the relationship. Key Takeaways Better done than perfect. The 80 percent rule is your friend. If someone can get a task 80 percent done while you focus on something else, that is a win worth taking.When you delegate, make it theirs. Gina's approach is to hand over the outcome, not the steps. Tell someone where you want to end up and then ask, what do you need from me? That simple shift puts the thinking where it belongs.Relationship is what makes accountability possible. The richer your background of connection with someone, the easier it is to hold them to their commitments without it feeling like an attack. Gina puts it simply: you are addressing their actions, not them as a person.Ask what, not anything. The word what opens a conversation. The word anything shuts it down. Swapping one for the other changes the quality of every check-in you have with your team.Start somewhere, even small. You do not need a full executive assistant to begin delegating. Make a list of the rote tasks you do every week and find one thing to hand off. Even one hour of relief matters. You can find Gina at: athenaexecutiveservices.com or on LinkedIn at: www.linkedin.com/in/athenaea In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you: A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile: An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it. AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener! Connect with me: http://JanicePorter.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/ https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1 https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcast review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    41 min
  2. May 26

    Your Results Don’t Lie (Andrew Allen on Character, Music & How You Do Everything)

    I have wanted to have this conversation for a while, and I am so glad we finally made it happen. Andrew Allen is someone I have known for years. I remember watching him perform at a backyard concert in Richmond, BC, long before keynote stages were part of his story. Even then, there was something about him that was different. He was not just performing. He was connecting. Today, Andrew is a multi-platinum singer-songwriter with five top ten hits who has toured with Bruno Mars, OneRepublic, and Train. But what really caught my attention recently was his newsletter, and the framework he has been quietly building called The HYDA Theory - How You Do Anything Is How You Do Everything. It is part diagnostic, part motivation tool, and it is changing how people think about character, results, and the way they show up in every area of their life. What I love most about this conversation is that Andrew does not separate the music from the message. They are the same thing. His whole life has been a masterclass in connection, resilience, and intentional choice, and he brings all of it onto the stage. Key Takeaways Your results reveal your character. Not your intentions, not your habits, not your goals. Your results. They do not lie, and once you understand that, everything changes.Character is trainable. Andrew makes a powerful case that instead of chasing better habits or better outcomes, the real work starts one level deeper, at the level of character. And the good news is that character can be developed.How you do the small things is how you do the big things. The dishes, the email reply, the way you show up when no one is watching, these are not trivial. They are your character in action.Music creates space to process. Andrew explains why blending live music into a keynote is not just entertaining, it gives audiences a moment to breathe, reflect, and let the message land in a different way.We control our responses, not our circumstances. One of the most moving parts of this conversation is Andrew's story about a childhood tragedy that shaped his decision to pursue life with everything he had. It is a reminder that we do not control everything, but we do control how we respond. Check out Andrew’s work (past and present) here: https://www.andrewallenlive.com/ Speaker reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsWANm7ZtoU My favourite Andrew Allen song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxYQsO53qHI&list=RDLxYQsO53qHI&start_radio=1 In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you: A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile: An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it. AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener! Connect with me: http://JanicePorter.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/ https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1 https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcast review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    42 min
  3. May 19

    The Missing Link Between Strategy and Results: Relationships

    Today we are talking about something that often gets overlooked in business conversations, yet affects everything! The quality of relationships. My guest, Norman Wolfe, challenges the traditional view of organizations as machines and introduces a more human-centered way of thinking. We talk about why even the best strategies can fail, what really motivates people at work, and how leaders can shift from creating compliant teams to building truly committed ones. This conversation is a powerful reminder that results don’t just come from systems and processes. They come from people who feel seen, heard, and valued. Key Takeaways People don’t resist work. They respond to how safe and successful they feel in their environment. Many workplaces unintentionally train compliance instead of ownership and critical thinking. Leaders often care, but lack the skills to express that care effectively under pressure. Commitment comes from relationship depth, not just agreement in meetings. Great leadership means hearing both the words and the “music” behind them. You can find Norman at: https://quantumleaders.com/ and on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolfe/ In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you: A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile: An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it. AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener! Connect with me: http://JanicePorter.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/ https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1 https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcast review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    40 min
  4. May 12

    Why Trust is a Brain Thing, Not Just a People Thing

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lisa Riegel to explore something we often overlook in business relationships: trust. Trust is not just a soft skill. It is rooted in how our brain is wired. Lisa shares a powerful and practical perspective on how our past experiences shape the way we perceive others, react in the moment, and build connection. We talk about what really happens when we read the room, why good intentions can fall short, and how leaders can create environments where people feel safe, seen, and valued. One of my favorite parts of this conversation is Lisa’s simple but memorable way of explaining complex brain processes. Her analogies bring clarity to something that can easily feel overwhelming, and they offer a path to greater self-awareness and stronger relationships. Key Takeaways Trust begins with a sense of belonging and psychological safety Our reactions are often shaped by past experiences, not present reality Self-awareness is the foundation of better communication and connection Curiosity is a learned skill and essential for building meaningful relationships Positivity and gratitude help rewire negative patterns in the brain Lisa can be found on LinkedIn and at: www.lisariegel.com In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you: A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile: An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it. AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener! Connect with me: http://JanicePorter.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/ https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1 https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcast review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    39 min
  5. May 5

    How Thoughtful Leaders Create Meaningful Impact Every Day

    In this episode of Relationships Rule, I had a great conversation with Mike Desjardins, CEO of ViRTUS, about what leadership really looks like when it’s grounded in relationships. We started with a powerful idea, that leadership has very little to do with titles or results, and everything to do with whether people actually want to follow you. From there, our conversation unfolded into a thoughtful exploration of emotional intelligence, trust, and the small, intentional actions that make a big difference in business relationships. Mike shared how his work focuses on developing leaders at every level, and why emotional intelligence is the foundation that everything else is built on. We talked about the importance of listening for understanding, not agreement, and how that simple shift can completely change the way we communicate and resolve conflict. One of my favorite parts of our conversation was hearing how Mike and his team create meaningful client relationships through thoughtful, personalized gestures. These are not big, flashy moments, but small, intentional actions that show people they are truly seen and valued. We also explored how leaders can build trust by consistently asking for feedback, empowering their teams to take initiative, and creating a culture where people feel heard and supported. This episode is a wonderful reminder that business is built on relationships, and that the way we show up as leaders has a lasting impact on everyone around us. Key Takeaways Leadership is defined by followership, not titles or authorityEmotional intelligence is the foundation of effective leadershipListening for understanding builds trust and reduces conflictSmall, thoughtful gestures can have a lasting impact on relationshipsTrust is built through consistency, feedback, and genuine care Mike can be found at: mikedesjardins.com (Blog) virtusinc.com (Company) In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you: A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile: An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it. AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener! Connect with me: http://JanicePorter.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/ https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1 https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcast review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    50 min
  6. Apr 28

    How to Build Strong Business Relationships and Grow Your Network

    In this episode, I sit down with Behdad Jamshidi to talk about what it really means to build meaningful business relationships. Behdad has built his business around connection, not just by meeting people, but by understanding them, staying curious, and creating introductions that genuinely help others move forward. We talk about the difference between networking and true relationship building, the three types of super connectors, and why curiosity is one of the most important tools we can bring into any conversation. Behdad also shares how he manages a large network with intention, using his roots, trunks, and branches model to decide where to invest time and energy. What I loved most about this conversation is how grounded it is in real human connection. This is not about collecting contacts. It is about building trust, being thoughtful, and knowing how to nurture the relationships you already have. Key Takeaways Building a strong network is not about knowing more people. It is about going deeper with the right people.Curiosity helps people feel seen, and that is often where the strongest relationships begin.Thoughtful follow-up does not have to be complicated. Small touches can make a big difference.The right introduction at the right time can completely change the direction of your business.To ask for help well, you need to be clear about what you want and where you are going. You can always reach Behdad on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/behdadjamshidi/ or if you are interested in finding a marketing agency to meet your needs check out his website at: cjammarketing.com In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you: A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile: An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it. AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener! Connect with me: http://JanicePorter.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/ https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1 https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcast review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    39 min
  7. Apr 21

    How to Scale an Online Business Without Losing Relationships

    In this episode, I’m joined by Sigrun Gudjonsdottir, an award-winning business coach, entrepreneur, and a strong advocate for helping women build scalable online businesses. Sigrun shares her remarkable journey from growing up in Iceland with a strong belief in what women can do, to becoming a CEO, turning struggling companies around, and eventually building her own business. What stood out to me most was how honestly she talked about courage, self-trust, and the decisions that shape not only our businesses but our lives. We discussed what separates entrepreneurs who keep going from those who stop too soon. For Sigrun, success is not just about strategy. It is about mindset, perseverance, and being willing to hear the truth, even when it is uncomfortable. Her tough-love approach comes from a real desire to help women move forward, not stay stuck. One of the timeliest parts of our conversation was around AI and what it means for business owners right now. Sigrun believes that while AI can help us run our businesses more efficiently, it also makes human connection more valuable than ever. As more things become automated, relationships, trust, and live interaction will matter even more. This conversation is full of insight for anyone building a business and trying to do it in a way that still feels personal, grounded, and real. Key Takeaways A positive mindset and perseverance are essential for entrepreneurial success.Strong relationships are not separate from business growth. They are part of what makes growth possible.Tough love, when delivered with care, can help people make the changes they need most.AI may change how we teach and market, but it will not replace the value of human connection.Scaling a business successfully requires both practical strategy and personal growth. ** Sigrun has gifted my listeners and viewers with her book – Kickstart Your Online Business – ** To claim your FREE copy just go to: www.sigrun.com/relationshipsrule In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you: A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile: An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it. AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener! Connect with me: http://JanicePorter.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/ https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1 https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcast review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    46 min
  8. Apr 14

    More Than a Book: How Clarity Creates Connection and Impact

    In this episode, I sit down with Deborah Kevin, publisher, author, and founder of Highlander Press, to talk about what really goes into writing a book and why it matters more than we often think. Deborah shares that the biggest challenge most people face is not writing, but getting clear on what they truly want to say. We explore how that lack of clarity can hold people back, not just from writing a book, but from showing up confidently in their business and building meaningful relationships. We also talk about the full journey of becoming an author, from writing and editing to publishing and what comes after. Deborah explains why a book is not just a finished product, but a powerful tool that can open doors, create connection, and amplify your message. One of my favorite parts of this conversation is Deborah’s perspective on intuition, and how listening deeply, both to yourself and others, can unlock the stories that truly need to be told. This episode is a reminder that your story matters, and that sharing it can have a lasting impact on the people you serve. Key Takeaways Clarity is the foundation of both writing a book and building strong relationshipsWriting is only the first step. Publishing, launching, and ongoing visibility matter just as muchYour story, when shared authentically, can create connection and open unexpected doorsPerfection is not the goal. Excellence and progress are what move you forwardIntuition plays a powerful role in finding your voice and guiding your message You can reach Deborah at: debby@highlanderpressbooks.com or on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-kevin/ She also invites you to check out her contributions to Substack….at StorytellHER - https://debbykevin.substack.com In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you: A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile: An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it. AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener! Connect with me: http://JanicePorter.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/ https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1 https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a note in the comment section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcast review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

    44 min
4.9
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

Imagine that 68% of our clients leave because they feel we don’t care. Then visualize having authentic heart-based retention strategies, proven to minimize client losses, while organically generating a substantial number of loyal clients through referrals. Catch a glimpse of how Janice opens a conversation by applying her fine-tuned curiosity. Notice how genuinely interested she is in building a relationship with her guests – heart-based business owners and entrepreneurs. In mere minutes, guests generously share their most sweet and powerful retention systems that you can adopt today! As a seasoned relationship marketing specialist, Janice invites us to listen in weekly, as she reveals how to nurture and build relationships in real-time. The Relationships Rule podcast’s aim, is to help you naturally ease your networking fears, so you can adopt strategies that amplify your client list, because the facts are, that today, success is built on a foundation of strong relationships. You can relax now, knowing you can activate your relationship marketing plan, by simply tuning in to Relationships Rule each week.

You Might Also Like