Everything in business does not need to be automated, scaled, or optimized. Especially your relationships.

Mandy shares how building genuine connections (not funnels) has been the foundation of every successful business she’s run. From her photography studio days to Unmess Studio and Marketing businesses today. You’ll hear why relationships are the strategy, how to make systems serve your human connection (not replace it), and simple ways to keep showing up authentically in a world obsessed with growth hacks.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why genuine connection always outperforms “bro marketing”
• How Mandy built long-term success by prioritizing people over tactics
• The difference between scalable systems and long-term relationships
• How to use tools like Airtable to support connection (not automate it away)
• Simple, ethical ways to build connection into your business strategy

Action Steps from This Episode:

1. Reconnect with one past client, collaborator, or contact this week — no pitch, just check in.
2. Create a simple “Connection Tracker” (Airtable, CRM, or notebook) to document and nurture relationships.
3. Ask yourself: “Do my systems support my relationships or replace them?” and make one small change.

Want help unmessing your own business?

Head to www.mandyparkinson.com and book a call to chat!