In the world of business, it’s easy to get caught up in numbers, strategies, and transactions. But if there’s one lesson I’ve learned throughout my career, it’s that relationships matter more than anything else. My name is Ertan Ikic, and as the founder of Top Pick Recruiting LLC, I’ve seen firsthand how investing in people can transform not just your business, but your life.
Building Trust Takes Time
Before starting my company, I spent years working as a butcher. Those long days taught me discipline, patience, and the importance of showing up consistently. Surprisingly, the same principles apply in business relationships. Trust isn’t earned overnight—it’s built gradually, through reliability, honesty, and genuine care. In recruitment, this means understanding clients’ needs and delivering results that exceed expectations. For candidates, it means providing guidance and support, even when it’s not required.
Relationships Drive Opportunities
One of the most rewarding aspects of my journey is seeing how relationships create opportunities that would otherwise never exist. A strong professional network opens doors, whether it’s a client referral, a partnership, or access to talent. Every connection matters. By nurturing relationships, you create a ripple effect of goodwill and mutual benefit. At Top Pick Recruiting LLC, we make relationships the foundation of our business model. This approach has not only helped us grow but has also allowed us to positively impact the careers of many candidates.
Communication is Key
A relationship without communication is like a bridge without support beams—it won’t last. I make it a point to maintain clear, consistent communication with both clients and candidates. Listening is just as important as speaking. Understanding someone’s goals, challenges, and expectations is the first step in forming a meaningful connection. As I often tell my team, “People will forget what you said, but they won’t forget how you made them feel.”
Long-Term Vision
Successful businesses aren’t built on short-term wins—they’re built on long-term relationships. I learned this early on when transitioning from my years as a butcher to starting my own company. The lessons in persistence and attention to detail translated directly into business. By thinking long-term, you focus on creating value that lasts, rather than chasing immediate profits. This mindset has allowed Top Pick Recruiting LLC to maintain strong client partnerships and a loyal candidate base over the years.
Final Thoughts
The lesson is simple but powerful: focus on relationships, and the rest will follow. Every interaction is an opportunity to build trust, provide value, and leave a positive impression. As Ertan Ikic, I can say that prioritizing people over transactions has been the cornerstone of my professional journey. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, recruiter, or professional in any field, investing in meaningful relationships will pay dividends far beyond any metric or bottom line.