Compound Interest in Relationships

Larry Janesky: Think Daily

We have been talking about how compound interest applies to more than just money.  Let’s talk about relationships.  When we start out our careers, we don’t know many people.  Over time we get to know more and more people.  We have experiences.  We create history with them.  They get to know us and our character and values, and we get to know theirs.  

We get to know who has what talents, where to go for this kind of help or that, and who has what resources.  We get to know who is trustworthy, reliable, caring, fast, loyal, etc – and who is not.  When we have a problem, we know who to call for help, and many people come to know what we do, and are calling us for our help.

Over time, a network of people you know enables you to make a lot of progress and get things done faster than ever.  You realize compound interest on your social and professional network. 

Now, as with money, if you make mistakes, you will kill your compound interest in this area too.  If you betray someone, are rude, don’t follow up or keep your promises, or demonstrate other character flaws, you are killing compound interest.  Mistreating someone years ago can likely cost you opportunities today, just as losing money years ago costs you the compound interest on that money today.

We should be making tomorrow better by what we are doing today.  Right? 

Ginger Fennell

Agreed! Treat others as you would want to be treated is the best way to treat everyone we meet. Regardless of who they are or what they can do for you now or in the future.

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