Day. 31 - Your Network is Your Net Worth—Build Meaningful Relationships

Success isn’t just about what you know; it’s also about who you know. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. Build strong connections, nurture relationships, and always provide value to others. The right network can open doors you never even knew existed.

No matter your business or venture, you need a team. You can’t do everything yourself, even if you have all the knowledge. You also need feedback, especially from those who disagree with you—that’s how you cover all your bases and make well-informed decisions.

Whether you’re the President of the United States, a real estate investor, or a venture capitalist, you need people you can call for advice, connections, and problem-solving. This network should include professionals like accountants, lawyers, IT experts, AI specialists, marketers, doctors, inspectors—whoever your field requires. And the key is to build these connections before you need them.

Consider joining your local Chamber of Commerce or networking with others in your profession to see who they rely on. It can take up to two years to assemble a solid team, but the effort is worth it.

When I was buying houses, I had everything lined up—realtors, inspectors, contractors, mortgage brokers, bankers, accountants, landscapers, plumbers, electricians, roofers, appraisers, title companies, and lawyers. And yes, I consulted every single one when necessary. Their insights helped me negotiate the final price or at least fully understand what I was getting into.

When I was in the computer service business, I had a team of specialists to support my customers. Interestingly, both my contractors and employees brought me business because they saw that I had the right people to get the job done.

As Sun Tzu wisely said: “Every battle is won or lost before the first soldier steps onto the battlefield.”

So build your network, surround yourself with greatness, and watch as the doors open. Because in the end, your success is determined long before you ever take action.