Associates,
In this issue, we’re diving into the third element of the S.A.C.K.: Contacts. Because in the real world, no one is self-made–success is a team sport. Keep reading for invaluable insights on developing your contacts.
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HELPFUL LINKS
You Have to Cheat.
You could have all of the skills, work ethic, and wisdom in the world, but apart from relationships with others, you will have exactly 0 financial success.
You’ve probably heard the saying: "It’s not what you know, it’s who you know."
This is the case.
Grant Cardone takes it further:
"It isn't just who you know, it's who knows you."
Today we are discussing the third element of the S.A.C.K.:
S - Skill
A - Action
C - CONTACTS
K - Knowledge
If you want to advance and grow—whether in business, faith, real estate, or personal growth...
You have to surround yourself with the right people.
The right people can lead you to doors you didn’t even know existed.
So, how do you begin to develop your contact list and your network?
Let’s break it down.
The Power of Connections
Your network is one of your greatest assets.
Few realize how the value of their current contact list.
Consider this:
Right now in your iPhone contacts, you have someone who is further along on the path of abundance than you are who 100% would say yes to a coffee meeting with you and share even just one kernel of wisdom that would save you 5 years of trial and error.
I guarantee it.
Additionally, if you connect with them with the motive to give value, doors will begin to open.
This isn't some woo-woo law of attraction type thing, this has been my actual experience.
My first mentor and the opportunity he gave me led me to 3 other mentors.
Those other mentors led me to more opportunities and mentors that helped me grow my S.A.C.K.
And it's not just about who is in your iPhone contacts now, it's also about who is in your contacts' contact lists.
As you bring value to your current contacts, they will introduce you to others so you can provide value to them as well.
All it takes is one new relationship for everything to change.
A job offer, an investment deal, or a mentor who speeds up your learning by years...
People hold the keys to all these opportunities.
Relationships are the ultimate leverage.
The issue is that most people don’t even know where to start.
And there is a specific reason for that.
School Set You Up For Failure
In school, networking and teamwork/collaboration are nerfed.
Collaboration is considered "cheating."
You are pressured to figure things out alone.
When it matters the most to get things right, you are expected to be totally self-reliant.
All of us are taught that we have to have all the right answers on our own, and to make zero mistakes.
As a result, by and large, we are all terrified of making mistakes and are too prideful to humble ourselves to the status of "student" in order to learn and therefore advance.
This mindset is detrimental.
Abundance is a team sport.
In the real world, no one is self-made.
The most successful people collaborate.
They cheat.
Because they cheat, they win.
If you want to win, you must learn to cheat.
I love how Pace Morby says it:
Don’t let pride stop you from learning from and collaborating with others.
If you don’t know something, find someone who does, bring value, and build a relationship with them.
That’s how you fast-track your growth.
How To Grow Your Network
Here are some ways you can grow your network, starting now.
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Attend networking events.
- If you want to grow, you have to put yourself where ambitious people gather. There are groups in your area you can join immediately–do it. Go to real estate meetups, business conferences, or industry masterminds. Remember, people hold the keys to the opportunities you are pursuing.
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Schedule coffee meetings.
- Big events can be intimidating. If that’s you, start small. One-on-one coffee meetings are a great way to build real relationships. A solid book on this is Coffee Lunch Coffee—check it out.
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Follow the 48-hour rule.
- When you meet someone new, follow up within 48 hours. A simple text or email like, "Hey, great meeting you! Thanks so much for connecting at the XYZ event last night. Let’s stay in touch!" goes a long way. (Shoutout to Dr. K for this one!)
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Say YES to the first invite.
- Alex Hormozi has a rule: If you get invited somewhere, say yes and do whatever it takes to show up. Oftentimes if you swing and miss that first opportunity to connect, you won't get another chance. Just go.
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Use the FORM method to connect with people.
- FORM stands for Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Message. Instead of small talk, ask about their family, their work, what they do for fun, and their goals. This builds real connections.
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Keep detailed contacts.
- When you save someone’s number, don’t just put “John - Real Estate.” Add notes—where you met, what they do, and something personal about them. NFC tap cards (like from NCF) make this even easier. (Links above)
Nurture Your Contact List
Don't make the mistake of meeting someone once and never following up.
Plenty of people "get phone numbers," but few nurture relationships.
Here's how to stay top of mind with your growing contact list.
- Check-in regularly - Every few weeks, send a quick message: Hey, how are you doing?
- Share value - Read a book or watch a video that reminds you of someone? Share it with them! People love to be remembered and shared with.
- Use a CRM - A tool like GoHighLevel allows you to gather contacts and communicate with them all in one place, as well as categorize them with ease.
- Build an Audience - One of the simplest and easiest things you can do is to build an email list, and send broadcasts regularly. this is one way you can provide value to your contacts: with original content and resources (Like what you are reading now 🙃)
These are all invaluable things
Develop Your Inner Circle
Watch the PBD Video linked above: Advice On How To Build Your Inner Circle
Networking is good, but real success comes from community.
You are the average of the 5 people you spend the most time with.
I implore you to surround yourself with people who challenge and support you–people who keep you accountable.
That’s exactly why I built The Associate Community—a group for young men focused on personal growth, business, and financial success.
If you’re serious about leveling up...
Become An Associate Today.
Your Most Important Relationship
No discussion on networking is complete without mentioning the most crucial relationship—your relationship with God.
Apart from being the most kind, strong, and loving person, He is the ultimate business partner, with infinite wisdom and guidance.
James 1:5 says, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Your earthly network matters...
But your relationship with God is the foundation for everything.
An Assignment
All of this information is worthless if you don't put it into practice.
Here is what I would do THIS WEEK if I were in your shoes.
- Reach out to 3-5 people in your contacts who are ahead of you.
- Schedule & attend a coffee meeting with each of them.
- Go to one networking event - Connect with just ONE new person.
- Use the 48-hour rule - Be sure to reach out and thank them for connecting...
- Nurture each of these relationships - With regular contact. Give them value.
Remember:
Relationships are the ultimate leverage.
Your network is your net worth.
Start building it today.
Talk soon,
-Jonathan
P.S.
If you have gotten this far, you may be a good fit for The Associate Community.
My advice?
Become An Associate Today.
I have learned a lot about finances, how to buy my first home, mortgages, savings, and growing my assets. I have also learned a lot about the importance of having a group of men by your side whenever you need them!
Riley Vernon - Associate Community Member
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