RULE #12: BUILD THE FOUNDATION FOR STRONG RELATIONSHIPS

"TRY NOT TO BECOME A MAN OF SUCCESS, BUT RATHER TRY
TO BECOME A MAN OF VALUE."

- ALBERT EINSTEIN

According to research conducted by Harvard University, The Carnegie Foundation, and The Stanford Research Institute, technical skills and knowledge account for 15% of the reason you get a job, keep a job, or advance in a job. People skills account for the other 85% of your job success.

The best way to build a strong foundation for a relationship with someone you just met is by being vulnerable, authentic, and going out of your way to add value to that person's life.

Vulnerability opens up trust. When you let your guard down and just open up to the other person, it opens up the conversation to new possibilities. It helps the person you're talking with open up as well. Building trust is a key part to building a relationship. When you're vulnerable with another person, you're taking the first step by showing you trust them.

Authenticity also builds trust. Being authentic means being 100% honest about who you are. Too often we think we need to put up a front and act a certain way to fit in or be accepted, when in reality the act just creates a barrier to true connection. Drop the front and be yourself. You might not always be comfortable, but the connections you establish will be real.

Adding value to someone the first time you meet them is a great way to get their attention and ensure they'll remember you. This usually leads to two possible outcomes. First, they might feel the need to reciprocate and find out how they can be of value to you. Second, they might wonder what else you can do for them down the road considering you have delivered value so quickly. Either way, they'll be thinking about ways to continue to build the relationship.

Keep these three building blocks in mind while you work the conference. If you can consistently open yourself up, be real, and contribute to those around you, you'll have a strong foundation for your new relationships.