I know a guy who struggled to make friends throughout school. This wasn’t just a phase; it was a recurring problem that followed him for years. He kept wondering why he couldn’t connect with people or find his place. Then, one day, someone gave him a piece of advice that he didn’t appreciate at the time:
“If you want a friend, be a friend.”
He shrugged it off back then, thinking it was too simplistic. He finished school with only a few friends and spent years blaming everyone and everything for his poor luck with people—women, colleagues, potential business partners—you name it.
Fast forward a few years, and he stumbled upon a classic book by Dale Carnegie, “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” You probably know the one. In this book, Carnegie makes a powerful point:
“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”
Suddenly, the advice he had received years earlier hit him like a ton of bricks. It all clicked. Funny how hindsight works, right?
The Universal Truth: If You Want a Friend, Be a Friend
That simple piece of advice made a huge difference in his life. It taught him that to build genuine connections, whether in business or personal life, you have to start by giving—by being genuinely interested in others, by offering value, and by being the friend you wish to have.
What This Means for Your Business
Now, let’s bring this lesson into the business world. Acquiring leads is critical to growing your business, and your warm contact list is the core of your buying audience. But how do you fill that list with people who are genuinely interested in what you have to offer and will stick around?
The answer is simple: Be a genuine friend to others.
How to Be a “Friend” Online
In the digital space, this translates to being genuinely useful to your audience and peers:
- Add Value First: Share knowledge, tips, or resources that solve your audience’s problems or improve their lives. Be the go-to source for valuable insights.
- Engage Authentically: Show real interest in your audience. Ask questions, reply to comments, and start conversations that matter.
- Support Your Network: Be there for your peers. Share their content, celebrate their wins, and offer your help when they need it. Networking is a two-way street.
By being useful, supportive, and genuinely interested in others, you’ll naturally build a community that trusts you and values what you have to say.
The Strategy for This Week
Throughout this week, I’ll be sharing several strategies for acquiring leads. But here’s the catch: None of these strategies will work if you don’t follow this simple rule:
If you want a friend, be a friend.
Let’s Make It Happen
So, are you ready to shift your approach and start building genuine connections that lead to real growth? Start by asking yourself: How can you be more of a “friend” to your audience and peers today?
Drop a comment below with your thoughts, and let’s keep this conversation going. Stay tuned for more strategies coming up this week!
Feel free to share your insights and experiences! And remember, the journey to building a thriving business starts with being a genuine friend.