Why Investing In People Pays Off In Every Area Of Life
Erdem Erkul, Founder and Chairman of Cerebrum Tech.
Since my middle school years, I’ve made relationship-building a cornerstone of my life’s philosophy. Now at 45, I attribute the successes I’ve achieved in my career, personal life, entrepreneurial ventures and civil society initiatives primarily to strong and meaningful connections I’ve nurtured along the way.
From the first moment I read Keith Ferrazzi’s Never Eat Alone, I saw reflections of my own principles. Ferrazzi highlights the importance of genuine relationships, consistency and generosity—principles that have guided me throughout my life and became even clearer through his insights.
Unexpected Rewards From Investing In Relationships
Every Sunday, I dedicate at least 30 minutes to randomly reaching out to contacts from my phonebook, LinkedIn or emails simply to check in and say hello. This small weekly ritual has resulted in unexpected collaborations, valuable exchanges of ideas and significant projects. For example, reaching out to a friend just to see how he was doing ultimately led us to launch a major project together years later.
Research supports this approach; reconnecting with dormant ties or leveraging weak connections can open new doors and opportunities in both professional and personal contexts. These subtle interactions can lead to significant achievements.
Relationship Capital In Entrepreneurship
The saying “Your network is your net worth” is especially true in entrepreneurship. In my entrepreneurial journey, robust connections have opened doors to investors, enabling me to build strong teams and attract key clients. My first investor was someone introduced by an old acquaintance, and our initial key hire came from a former colleague whom I had previously supported.
Studies indicate that entrepreneurs with strong, active networks experience faster growth and greater success. However, it is not the quantity but the quality and depth of relationships that matter most. Real success lies not in how many people you know but in how sincerely and deeply you cultivate these connections.
The Role Of Connections In Civil Society
In community work and civil society initiatives, relationship management is crucial. No meaningful societal change can occur single-handedly. The trust built with collaborators across various projects has enabled us to achieve lasting and impactful results. For instance, launching a mentorship program for disadvantaged youth required months of relationship-building with stakeholders, resulting in long-term social impact.
Additionally, volunteer work offers opportunities to meet new people, gain diverse perspectives and enrich your social life. Bonds formed through such initiatives often blossom into enduring friendships and meaningful partnerships.
Maintaining An Active Network
For me, the key to successful relationship management lies in small, consistent rituals:
• Regularly reach out to contacts just to have friendly conversations and check in.
• Write quick notes on every business card you receive, personalizing future interactions.
• Always be the first to offer help; generosity in relationships is reciprocated manifold in the long run.
• Periodically reconnect with long-lost contacts to revitalize relationships.
These small habits ensure a vibrant and lasting network, enriching not just your professional success but also your personal happiness and sense of purpose.
Conclusion: Invest In People And Reap The Rewards
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that investing in people consistently provides the highest return. Relationships enrich every area of your life and build a powerful support system. The most significant force driving your success and happiness is the strength and authenticity of your connections.
I encourage you to take action: Next Sunday, spend just 30 minutes sending genuine messages to contacts you’ve lost touch with. You’ll be amazed by the positive outcomes from this simple practice.
Remember, the most valuable assets you accumulate in life are the relationships you build and nurture.
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