In this episode of Rooted & Relentless, Steph breaks down one of the most overlooked stakeholder groups in business: Your Biz Buddies.

These are the people who have never paid you, never hired you, and never collaborated with you—yet still recommend you, refer you, and do not hesitate to associate their reputation with yours.

This episode is a quick, grounded reminder that your reputation is doing more selling than your marketing ever will. And mad encouragement to give a little extra love and care to the people who support you even when it's not directly monetary, sending you referrals and opportunities like it's their job.

In This Episode, We Cover:

1. What “Biz Buddies” actually are (and why they matter)
2. How referrals from Biz Buddies convert faster than cold leads
3. Why trust—not transactions—is the foundation of these relationships
4. Simple, human ways to care for Biz Buddies without making it weird
5. How reputation quietly becomes your most powerful growth engine

Key Takeaways:

1. Biz Buddies lead people to you without being asked
2. Trust is pre-built when someone drops your name
3. These relationships save time, energy, and emotional labor
4. You don’t manufacture them—you earn them
5. How you move matters more than what you sell

Notable Quotes:

1. “Your reputation is your revenue.”
2. “Biz Buddies exist because of how you move, not what you sell.”
3. “You don’t manufacture these relationships—you earn them.”

What’s Coming Next:

The Stakeholder Experience series continues with:

1. Your Team — contractors, W-2s, and support roles
2. Yourself — because yes, you are a stakeholder too

Loved This Episode?

Support ya girl by subscribing, sharing, and leaving a review. That Biz Buddy support, ya feel me?

Then, shoot me a message on IG and tell me how I can do the same for you: https://www.instagram.com/virtually_stephrubio

Oh and..

This pod isn't the only place I drop this good good. Get on my email list where I send two emails per month: Steph's Shenanigans all about what I'm loving, loathing, learning, and all the good stuff and The COO Edit where we get strategic and practical about staying one step ahead in your biz. https://stephrubio.myflodesk.com/letsconnect