Rich Relationships: Create a Million-Dollar Network for Your Business

by Selena Soo

Imagine having a network of trusted friends and colleagues Rave about your work to others.Refer tons of clients to your business.Support you during difficult times.Open doors that would otherwise be closed to you.Genuinely care about you and want to see you succeed.
You can have relationships like these, even if you're an introvert, have very little spare time, or feel like you "don't have as much to offer" as other people do.

With just one hour a week, you can start building Rich Relationships that propel your business and life to the next level.

Learn how to build life-changing connections with dream clients, mentors, friends, referral partners, investors, and others who help you achieve your top goals faster.

Called "insanely practical," "a must-read," and "the ultimate guide to creating relationships that truly matter."

Selena Soo, an award-winning relationship and business strategist, teaches you how the value you bring to the table and build relationships with confidence.Understand the 10 Types of Rich Relationships and identify which ones you need.Use the Six Circles of Connection to determine which relationships to prioritize.Manage your time and stay organized so you can nurture numerous relationships without feeling exhausted.Reach out to busy, influential, hard-to-reach people and get on their radar.Strengthen relationships in creative ways that don't take much time or money.Determine the right time to make a request rather than asking for too much too soon.Become someone who is easy to help and that others love supporting.
A masterclass in the art of building relationships, Rich Relationships will change the way you think about networking—and inspire you to be proactive in creating meaningful connections.

Includes more than 20 scripts for emails, texts, and conversations, and inspiring stories about entrepreneurs, consultants, coaches, authors, speakers, and other professionals who've built Rich Relationships—and exactly how they did it.

Readers who love Give and Take by Adam Grant, Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi, How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes, The 5-Second Rule by Mel Robbins, and classics like How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie and Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty by Harvey Mackay will love Rich Relationships.

In a turbulent world, Rich Relationships are the smartest investment you can make. Rich Relationships are the world's most valuable currency—one that never decreases in value—no matter what's happening in the economy.

One Rich Relationship is more worth than a hundred casual connections.

Start building your Million-Dollar Network today!

Genres: Buisness

436 pages, Paperback

Published May 13, 2025

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selena Soo is a thoughtful PR pro focused on building meaningful connections. Her book goes beyond business, offering insights you can apply to friendships and extended family, emphasizing how you can be more intentional with your time and attention. I was so impressed by the first chapters that I bought multiple copies to read and gift.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is so much wisdom in this book! I’ve already started coming back to it again and again for deep advice on personal branding, how to connect with people you admire but don’t know, and my favorite: committing acts of breathtaking generosity.

Most of all, it’s reminded me that I don’t want to live in a world dominated by clinical, online interactions. I want to live in a world overflowing with rich, abundant relationships. I want my friends to succeed beyond their wildest dreams. I want to help the people around me without tallying “you did this for me, now I do this for you.”

This book clarifies and amplifies that mission in all the best ways. Selena also writes about cultivating a feeling of “relaxed abundance” — and honestly, I can’t think of a better mantra for the year.

[Jessica Brainard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Rich Relationships by Selena SooRating: 5/5 — A game-changing guide for anyone who hates traditional networking but wants real results.In a world full of superficial LinkedIn connections and transactional “let’s grab coffee” requests, Selena Soo’s Rich Relationships stands out as a refreshing, deeply human approach to building a powerful network. Published in 2025, this USA Today bestseller isn’t another generic networking book that makes introverts cringe. Instead, it’s a masterclass in creating meaningful, abundant relationships that genuinely propel your business (and life) forward.Soo, a seasoned publicity and marketing strategist who has helped countless experts land major media and build seven-figure businesses, draws from her own experience to show that one rich relationship is worth more than a hundred casual ones. She redefines networking as long-term relationship-building rooted in generosity, intention, and authenticity rather than hustle or self-promotion.What I Loved MostPractical Frameworks That Actually Work: The book introduces clear, actionable tools like the Six Circles of Connection (to organize and prioritize your network without overwhelm) and the Top 40 list for focused nurturing. Soo also breaks down different types of rich relationships entrepreneurs need and the three phases of relationship building: Build → Nurture → Activate.
Breathtaking Generosity: One of the most memorable concepts is “breathtaking generosity”—acts of kindness so thoughtful they leave a lasting impression. Soo shows how giving value first (without keeping score) creates natural reciprocity and opens doors you never expected.
Mindset Shifts: The book goes beyond tactics to address inner work—feeling worthy of strong relationships, setting boundaries, releasing misaligned connections, and recognizing when to ask (and how to make your asks easy and low-pressure).
Real-World Applicability: Whether you’re reaching out to high-profile mentors, collaborating with peers, or nurturing clients and fans, the advice feels ethical and sustainable. It’s especially valuable for introverts, creatives, and service-based entrepreneurs who want depth over volume.

The writing is warm, encouraging, and story-driven, with plenty of personal anecdotes and client examples. At around 436 pages, it’s substantial but never feels overwhelming—thanks to the clear structure and usable scripts (many of which are available as bonuses on the book’s site).Who Should Read ItIf you’ve ever felt stuck wondering why your marketing or visibility efforts aren’t translating into real opportunities, this book is for you. It’s ideal for:Entrepreneurs and small business owners
Coaches, consultants, authors, and experts
Anyone who wants to build a supportive, high-value circle without burning out or feeling salesy

Even if you’re not in business, the principles apply beautifully to personal relationships and community-building.Minor NoteThe book is dense with frameworks and ideas, so it rewards readers who take notes and implement gradually rather than trying to do everything at once. That said, the payoff is huge for those who do.Final Verdict: Rich Relationships is one of the most insightful and practical books I’ve read on the topic. It will change how you think about your network—from a vague “net worth” cliché to a living, breathing asset built on trust and generosity. If you’re ready to move beyond surface-level connections and create relationships that truly matter (and pay dividends), this is essential reading.Highly recommended. I’ve already started applying the ideas—and the results feel both authentic and powerful.

[Alex Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed how I think about relationships, success, and myself. My copy is covered in notes and post-its because it's not meant to sit on a shelf. It's a go-to guide you return to again and again.

Selena Soo built this book on her own experiences, and she’s passionate about the big dream she holds for us. Namely, that the most important rich relationship you'll ever build is the one you have with yourself. Before she ever talks about reaching out to anyone, she asks you to look inward at your self-worth, your clarity, and your energy. Because when you know your value, you don't chase. You attract.

From there, the book moves through four sections. First, Foundations, helping you understand the different types of relationships in your life. Then Align, where she empowers you to recognize what you uniquely bring to the table and get clear on your goals. This isn't hustle-culture empowerment where you're calculating who can help you climb. It's heart-centered. You're looking for people whose dreams align with yours, so that supporting them genuinely lights you up.

One of my favorite concepts in the book is what Selena calls Relaxed Abundance. It’s the idea that you release rigid expectations of reciprocity and instead operate from a place of deep trust. Trusting that your good work will be recognized. That when you help others, others naturally want to help you. That as you hone your craft, the right people will take notice. It's a mindset shift that quietly undoes a lot of anxiety around networking.

In the following sections, Attract and Activate, is where things get wonderfully practical. She walks you through building a Top 40 list of relationships to nurture and initiate, how to offer genuine value, how to set boundaries, and how to make asks. She even provides 20+ real-world scripts for emails, texts, and conversations (via QR code), plus a worksheet at the end of the book to create your own Rich Relationships Plan.

As an artist, I can honestly say that I’ve always felt networking wasn't for me. And for other creatives like me, Selena reminds us that connection is really just expression. You don't have to work a room or cold-pitch strangers. You just have to be yourself. When we express our unique personalities, passions, interests, and stories, the right people will naturally gravitate toward us.

My last point here is extremely personal. Selena reminds me to stay true to my big dreams. To share them out loud. I know there are people in my life who have supported my art-making for years and years. And I know it makes them feel good to be on my journey with me. Just like it inspires me to support others with their big dreams. And yet it’s always felt like a struggle to ask for help or to receive it. The truth is we need each other to make our big dreams come true. And this book shows us how.

[Diana Tower · Rating 5 out of 5]

When this book first came out, I bought it immediately—but life had other plans. I was finalizing my divorce, and the book found its way to my living room shelf, waiting for its moment.

That moment came unexpectedly a few weeks ago. My new boyfriend mentioned he was trying to figure out how to form meaningful connections for his business. Without hesitation, I recommended Selena’s book. I hadn’t even read it yet, but I knew it would be insightful and actionable—because that’s who Selena is. And when you want to connect with people…Selena is my go-to person!

Before lending it to him, I dedicated a Saturday to reading it. Just her definition of what a rich relationship is, and her “relaxed abundance” approach—makes such beautiful sense. It eliminates that typical “ick” feeling I get from traditional “networking” advice.

My story is a perfect example of rich relationships in action!

Several years ago, I burned out completely. After years of overworking to distract myself from an unhappy marriage, I found myself unable to work for an entire year. I couldn’t even sit at my computer. I was broken and needed a reboot.

I took that year to heal—started seeing a new therapist, filled my weeks with creative hobbies and exercise. And when I was ready to return to work, I decided to support a team rather than relaunch my own business. I missed the connection and camaraderie.

So what did I do?

I reached out to my rich relationships. I contacted past clients, colleagues, and friends—asking if they knew anyone looking for someone with my skill set.

Rick Mulready was one of those people. He replied hours later saying he actually did know someone.

A week later, I became the Director of Community for New York Times bestselling author Kris Carr.

That opportunity and many more have come directly from a rich relationship.

Selena’s book captures the heart of what makes my Community focused work—and my life—meaningful. Relarionships! I’m grateful to have learned from Selena firsthand, and now to have all her wisdom distilled into one easy-to-read, immediately implementable guide is incredible.

If you want to create a network of relationships that enriches both your business and your life, and where you genuinely support others in return, this book is for you.

This isn’t just another networking book. It’s a guide to building the kind of life where connection, not hustle, opens doors.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I appreciated most is how Selena brings a sense of humanity and steadiness back into “relationship-building.” It doesn’t feel like networking or performance, it’s an authentic way to build trust over time.

A few things that really stood out to me:

-the distinction between generosity and overgiving. That nuance landed deeply. It helped me reflect on where giving is clean and nourishing versus where it can quietly become self-sacrifice (guilty of this!).

-love that you normalize boundaries as part of building rich relationships, not something separate from it.

-The emphasis on long-term relationship equity. In a culture that pushes speed and constant output, your reminder that relationships compound quietly over time felt grounding.

- different types/tier of relationships. I found it really helpful to think in a more intentional way about who I’m nurturing, who I’m learning from, and where mutual support is naturally there — without trying to force every connection into the same level of closeness or investment.

-Making “asks” feel clean and respectful. I also appreciated your approach to reaching out and asking in a way that’s clear and unattached (without pressure, entitlement, or awkwardness. It made the whole idea of outreach feel more aligned and more human) - this is going to come in handy since I need to build out an affiliate program soon for my bf’s biz.

Overall, the book feels like both a strategy and a permission slip: to build slowly, to be sincere, and to let relationships unfold in a way that’s mutually supportive and honest. I can see how it’s a culmination of truths and techniques - thank you for sharing your wisdom with the world, Selena!

[Craig Pritsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read Rich Relationships and walked away feeling both empowered and equipped with a clear strategy and actionable tactics to build a network that not only supports my goals but enables me to uplift and support others in meaningful ways.

We all know the importance of a strong network, especially in today’s economy, where job hunting is tough and we’re constantly reminded that “your network is your net worth.” While that’s true, Selena Soo’s book goes far beyond cliché advice. It doesn’t just repeat what we’ve all heard, it elevates it.

Through relatable examples and thought-provoking exercises, Selena guides readers from student to practitioner, offering a practical path toward realizing their biggest dreams. These exercises aren’t just conceptual, they’re tools you can use right now.

What resonated with me most was the section on recognizing your own value. We’ve all heard, “You can’t love others until you love yourself.” But equally true is this: others won’t recognize your value until you do. Selena shows us how to identify our core values, not just as abstract ideals, but as motivators and gifts we can offer to enrich the lives of those around us.

If you’re looking to deepen the breadth and depth of your relationships, this book is a must-read. Buy it. Read it. Reflect on it. Then act on it, and bring to life the bold vision Selena helps you create for yourself.

[Cheri Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich Relationships by Selena Soo felt like such a breath of fresh air. As an introvert, I often find traditional networking advice overwhelming, performative, or just not built for how I naturally move through the world. Selena’s perspective flips that script completely.

Instead of pushing high-energy tactics or endless social commitments, she focuses on intentionality, genuine connection, and leading with gratefulness—all things that feel both sustainable and deeply human. Her emphasis on gratitude especially stood out to me. It wasn’t presented as a strategy or a checkbox, but as a posture—an authentic way of showing up that enriches both sides of a relationship.

I also appreciated how she makes relationship-building feel accessible, even for those of us who prefer quieter interactions and meaningful one-on-one conversations. Her stories are honest, relatable, and grounded in experience, and her guidance feels like it’s coming from a wise mentor rather than a megaphone.

If you're an introvert, a thoughtful entrepreneur, or simply someone who values deep, aligned relationships, this book is absolutely worth the read. It’s practical, heart-centered, and refreshingly grounded in gratitude—a combination I didn’t know I needed.

[Jake · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

I came to this one with some built-in context. Selena did a workshop in our community, so I already knew her approach before cracking the book. I build my business almost entirely through relationships, so the subject matter wasn’t new territory for me. But that’s actually what made this useful - it gave me a framework for something I was already doing intuitively.

The Six Circles of Connection is the piece that stuck. It’s a way of mapping your relationships by proximity and investing your time accordingly. I liked it enough to build it directly into my CRM. That’s a pretty good sign a book gave you something real.

What makes this different from most networking books is that it doesn’t really feel like a networking book. The whole thing is grounded in actually caring about other people’s success - not as a strategy, but as a starting point. There’s a story about Ramit Sethi in there that illustrates this well and was a fun read for anyone familiar with his work.

If you’re already relationship-oriented in how you operate, this probably won’t rewire how you think. But it’ll give you a cleaner structure to work from. And if networking has always felt gross to you, this might be the reframe you need.

[Tavia Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Selena Soo's book quickly, though it's substantive and detailed. I just didn't want to put it down, because it was inspiring. I built my creative career early on entirely through relationships I nurtured and leaned into. As my work has developed across two decades, though, my understanding of how to cultivate deeper relationships wasn't keeping pace with my maturing understanding of leadership and business. How to deepen genuine connections with colleagues and potential partners and how to develop new, authentic connections — this has been a real challenge, particularly since the pandemic. Soo's book came to me at the perfect time, when I'm stepping into a new chapter of my company development, and it's a wonderful resource for how to grow relationships with elegance, wisdom, intention, and integrity. The resources included in the book are also extremely valuable. This is a book I'll recommend widely, as it would be a timely, meaningful guide at all stages of a development for entrepreneurs, professionals, and creatives.

[Dawn Cazedessus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Playbook for Building Relationships That Last a Lifetime

As someone who grew up in a trailer park in rural Louisiana and went on to become an entrepreneur, CEO, and international speaker, I know firsthand the power of relationships to transform your life. Rich Relationships is one of the most practical and inspiring guides I’ve ever read on how to create a network rooted in generosity, authenticity, and integrity.

What I love about Selena’s approach is that she doesn’t just talk about building connections for business—she shows you how to nurture relationships that will support you through every season of life. Her simple frameworks and stories reminded me that influence isn’t about status or titles, it’s about kindness, consistency, and showing up for others.


As a Christian woman, I resonated deeply with the emphasis on service and giving without expecting anything in return. This book is a must-read for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to leave a legacy of impact and love.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Selena Soo’s Rich Relationships and it struck a real chord with me. The biggest takeaway is simple but powerful. You cannot rush relationships. You have to earn them, build them, and respect the different levels of connection that naturally form over time. Selena breaks this down in such a thoughtful way that you feel both guided and challenged to show up better.

What I loved most is how she speaks to the finesse required in nurturing meaningful relationships. It reminded me of something my friend Mo Regalado always says about not “pitch slapping” people. If you come in hot with an ask, people tune out fast. But when you approach someone in a memorable, thoughtful, and purposeful way, you create space for something real to happen.

This book is a great reminder that relationships are currency, but only when cultivated with care and authenticity. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to elevate how they connect both personally and professionally.

[Michelle Ducie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich Relationships by Selena Soo was such a meaningful read for me. As someone who often feels alone in my business, this book felt like a breath of fresh air. Selena writes with so much warmth and clarity that I immediately felt more supported and less isolated.

What I loved most is how practical her guidance is. These aren’t overwhelming “networking tactics” — they’re simple, thoughtful shifts that make connection feel natural and authentic. I’ve already started putting several of her suggestions into practice, and I’m noticing myself reaching out more confidently and building relationships in a way that feels good, not forced.

If you’re an entrepreneur craving community, encouragement, and real-world strategies to strengthen your relationships, this book is absolutely worth reading. It left me feeling inspired, grounded, and far less alone.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Relationship Strategy Every Global Entrepreneur Needs

Rich Relationships is not another marketing playbook—it’s a strategy that works no matter where in the world you’re building from. For anyone running a location-independent business, this book shows how relationships become your most portable asset. Selena Soo clearly demonstrates how trust, generosity, and intentional connection open doors across borders, industries, and cultures.

What makes this book stand out is how actionable it is. The frameworks help you build visibility, collaborations, and opportunities without overwhelm, and in a way that scales as your life and business evolve. If you want to grow a business that travels with you—and create meaningful connections that continue to pay dividends wherever you land—this book is an essential read.

[Benjamin Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

"One rich relationship is more valuable than 100 casual connections." I can look back at different moments in my life and prove this to be true every time.

Rich Relationships is a book that doesn't just offer wisdom like this; it gives you a practical roadmap for building a network that actually grows your business. What I appreciated most is Selena's emphasis on being a giver first, prioritizing depth over volume at a time when most business advice pushes shortcuts and scale.

Selena is a gifted storyteller, and the way she illustrates how relationships compound over time made me rethink how I invest my own energy. I finished the book with a clear sense of what to do differently.

If you're an entrepreneur who wants to grow in a way that feels aligned with who you are, not just what converts, read this book.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is basically about how to build real, meaningful connections without it feeling fake or “network-y.” Selena Soo shares a lot from her own experience, and you can tell she actually practices what she teaches.

What I liked most is that it’s super practical. It’s not just “be authentic” (which every book says), but she actually explains how to reach out to people, stay in touch, and build relationships over time in a genuine way. It makes networking feel a lot less awkward and more natural.

The vibe of the book is very positive and generous—like, focus on giving and helping others instead of just thinking about what you can get. That part really stands out.

[Amina AlTai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich Relationships is more than a networking book, it's a guide to building a life anchored in generosity, trust, and connection. Selena Soo doesn't just tell you to "put yourself out there"; she walks you through how to show up with authenticity, serve others, and create opportunities that benefit everyone involved. Her advice is clear, actionable, and deeply human. Whether you're looking to expand your professional network or enrich your personal life, this book will change the way you think about connection and community.

[Megan Ramus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a helpful read (especially for introverts like me)

Rich Relationships was exactly what I needed. I identify as a super introvert and networking has always felt awkward and overwhelming. Selena Soo breaks it down in a way that feels simple and natural and not schmoozy in this book.

My favorite part? The scripts! They take so much pressure off because I don't have to overthink what to say. I can follow her examples and actually feel confident reaching out.

If you want to build real connections without feeling drained, this book is a game changer.

[Amy Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really helpful frameworks for romantic, work or platonic relationships. The one part that stood out to me is her framework on the 3 types of givers. The transactional giver, indiscriminate giver and the rich giver. Knowing which category you typically fall in is valuable - and also helps you spot the source of giving when others are 'giving' to you. There's a lot of worksheets and templates so it's a better way of learning because you're not just reading, you are having the opportunity to implement and work through the concepts in real time.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich Relationships, Rich Life

This book is so much more than a networking guide. It is a wholistic view of approaching and cultivating rich relationships that feel aligned and fertile.

Selena Soo is so relatable, she will have you nodding your head as she's blowing your mind. Don't be surprised if you experience an "aha" moment or get inspired to break free of old habits. You may discover new gems of wisdom while shining up old ones that have gathered dust.

What Selena offers is not pie-in-the-sky, rather highly accessible and doable actions.

[Bhumika · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happened to learn about this book at a time in my life where I'd been re-aligning some relationships. Not only has Rich Relationships helped me prioritize building better relationships that are wholesome rather than ones that feel pressured or surface level and transactional; it has also helped me lean in to my own value and evaluate current relationships differently - personal and professional. When Selena mentioned 'relaxed abundance' that's what reading it feels like. I already started to see a difference in many of my interactions and it's all thanks to Selena's book.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book feels less like a “networking guide” and more like a mindset shift. Instead of telling you to meet more people or hustle harder, Selena Soo basically says: slow down, focus on a few good relationships, and actually care about people.

One thing that stood out is how much she emphasizes quality over quantity. It’s not about having tons of contacts—it’s about having a small circle of people who genuinely support you and vice versa . That idea alone makes the book feel refreshing compared to typical business advice.

[Laura Beauparlant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Selena Soo’s Rich Relationships was the reminder I didn’t know I needed: relationships are the strategy and her framework for identifying the level of a relationship makes it instantly clear where to focus (and where to stop spreading yourself thin). It also nudged me back onto the right track after a season of shiny-object distractions. Bonus: the personal branding angle is spot on! Your brand is built as much through trust and reputation as it is through content.

[Zach King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend! Wonder read on the power of building relationships in a healthy and professional way, not just seeking personal gain. It is full of practical tips, examples and stories to make everything highly applicable and relevant.
For someone who has been in the relationship business for over a decade, I found this both insightful and useful.

[Kristi Herold · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished Rich Relationships by Selena Soo and loved it. It’s a warm, clear, zero-awkwardness guide to building meaningful connections that actually feel good. If you want to level up your relationships in life and work, this one’s a gem!

[Molly Forshag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on building impactful relationships!!!

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a LOT from this authentic and well-vetted book.

[Ivana Brutenic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this book to everyone who wants to level up from simple networking skills to building rich relationships.

If you are a seasoned networker or an extrovert, you might have a lot of people in your network, but it is very exhausting to follow up. Selena shows you that not everyone needs full access to you and gives you the exact steps to build relationships that really matter.

Very suitable for introverts too. Selena teaches you how to find, connect and nurture relationships with powerful people so that you do not need to talk to that many :)).

I am an experienced networker, 20 years in business, I make my living building personal and company brands for Fortune 500 and Global 500 companies, and also tiny family businesses through LinkedIn. I gifted and recommended this book to our partners and clients, because it greatly complements what we do. I am on a mission to show people how powerful their voice can be. And this book will change your life if you implement.

[Lorraine Schuchart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this book was going to be good, but it was actually great.

This is not another course teacher who felt compelled to write a book. Instead, Selena Soo is someone who built her business and fame by creating genuine relationships and then went back to share the steps she took and give readers a philosophical and practical guide so they could do the same.

I purchased additional books to give to friends and colleagues.

[Emily Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every business owner and service provider needs to understand this— great all round networking advice esp in the age of pushy bro marketers