I had an opportunity recently to attend a networking luncheon that comprised a group of well-educated, entrepreneurial, successful business women. The one thing I learned was that most successful businesses are built on recommendations from family, friends and associates. It is these folks who we have established relationships with that know who we are, what we want to give to others, how we work, and why we want to do the business that we do. Not only are relationships the key to a successful business, they are also the best teachers in our lives. Do whatever you can to successfully maintain and nurture these precious relationships.