Today I had a conversation with a fellow entrepreneur that blew me away. We started our companies around the same time, so our paths have crossed in Atlanta’s startup community over the years. Recently we’ve gotten to know each other better and have discussed how to improve the ecosystem for future entrepreneurs.

Today, we each talked about our background and our entrepreneurial journey. We wanted to help each other understand how our experiences shaped us and how they fuel our passion to help others. As we talked, we realized that we’re connected not only as entrepreneurs but also in various ways on a very personal level. We have close personal relationships with people who in turn have close personal relationships with each other.

Honestly, I was surprised. I didn’t anticipate the deep level of personal connectedness we uncovered. I had no idea we knew the same people. I’m thankful for the conversation. It allowed us to connect in a different way and develop a deep understanding of each other. I anticipate that it will prove to be the foundation of a great relationship.

Relationships are central to entrepreneurship (and, more broadly, to life). Entrepreneurs continually build relationships as we participate in various unrelated groups. Across many years, paths will cross. Inevitably, relationships will bleed over from one group to another and between business and our personal lives.

Relationships make the world go ’round—and the world is much smaller than we realize. Be mindful of this, entrepreneurs, in all your endeavors.