Is influence a one-time transaction?
Or do you need to build a relationship first?
Well, let me tell you about my favourite coffee shop in Geelong.
I hate to say it, but their coffee isn’t actually the best in Geelong. But it’s still my favourite.
Why?
Well, they built a relationship with me.
They know my order.
They ask about my wife.
They ask about my son.
The owner introduces me to all the new staff.
And the place with the best coffee in Geelong? They don’t even know my name.
They never even asked it – or asked me anything, really.
They don’t even give me a “have a nice day.”
Not even a fake one.
They’re just not interested in building that relationship.
They treat every coffee order like a one-time transaction.
Now, think about having influence in finance.
Could you do it without building a relationship first?
No.
If the best coffee in town couldn’t do it, you can’t either.
That’s because influence is not a one-time thing.
It’s not a transaction – it’s based on the rapport you have with people.
They need to know, like and trust you.
That means you need to plan ahead.
Lay the groundwork now.
Build that relationship.
That’s the only way to have the kind of influence you want.
Alan “coffee” Cameron-Sweeney