Have you noticed a growing trend in recent years that it has become a common courtesy to text or message someone (even your closest family members) to schedule time for simple chit-chat, even if there is no business agenda on tap? I've probably said this in a previous post, but it's so important that I need to say it again for myself as well as you: 

There is nothing more important in life than relationships. 

You are a product of the company you keep, so choose them wisely. 

If you find yourself approaching every new relationship thinking in the back of your mind: "What can this person do for me?" or "What or how much can I extract here," you're going to have a miserable time trying to enjoy the company of others in any situation.

Social Media has blurred the way we interact with others in real life. So if you're in the midst of taking a personal inventory of the people you care about most in life, consider the following questions: 

Is it an old classmate from elementary school? Is it that cute new girl you met over the weekend at your local coffee shop? Identify your motivation for reaching out in the first place. 

Probably. Yes. But don't worry about this one too much. The main idea here is similar to money, in the sense that you always want more coming into your pipeline than going out at any given time. In Facebook speak, you want to have more "friends" accepting, following, and subscribing than there are snoozing, unfriending, or God forbid, blocking you. In many ways, it's as simple as it was on your first day of recess. Everyone isn't going to like you, so deal with it and don't give up. 

Tough one right? What is the mark of a true and loyal friend? Would any of these people jump in front of a moving bus for you? Hmm. I shudder to think. I don't believe there is a helpful, illustrated guide anywhere for this, but if you've got one or can share a good link on this philosophy, send me a message.

Personally, I'm not intimidated to reach out to literally anyone with a quick email for just about anything. As a Professional writer and life-coach, people are the life-blood of my work. Yes, compliments are cheap, but if executed correctly at the right time, they lead to big things that eventually yield fantastic long-term results. I call these types of intro messages Micro-Proposals. Do some research before you send a message or friend request. If you're a struggling content writer but don't enjoy the process of cultivating relationships with new people on a regular basis, your writing efforts will be as effective as working crossword puzzles in bed every night. Stop wasting time and get out of this business right now. 

We've never been so bombarded by entrepreneur-ish content that's sole purpose is to sell us products or services. It doesn't really matter how good we are with ad-blocking software. Odds are that if you're reading this, you're studying marketing and the psychology of advertising. Because of social media, everyone is now a marketer and content creator. When someone sends me a friend invite, consider how they are dressed as a pretty good indicator of what their intentions are. Just because everyone has an agenda, doesn't mean it's a bad thing. It could lead to your next great opportunity.

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