Offer Value.
Price is what you pay. Value is what you give.
The best way to meet long-haul connections is to be one yourself. Offer value. Long-term friends are ones who share. Start first. Give them your attention. They will respond with theirs.
If you have something to share, share it.
For a seasoned professional, that might be your experience, viewpoint, or advice. For one just starting out, it may be your hard work and time. Consider a leadership position on a nonprofit board. Volunteer to lead a team at work. These are good ways to offer stellar value.
Reflect on what you have to offer. Give it freely. It’s the first step in building a relationship. A good guide on this is The Discipline of Market Leaders, by Michael Treacy and Fred Wiersema. The authors prompt the reader to determine where he or she “spikes the ball” above and beyond others. That might take some discernment. Executive coaching can help.
One final thought on offering value: be prepared to do it at least three times before asking anything in return.
