Making new friends costs money — and it’s worth it 💸
Why investing in connections is the smartest move you’ll ever make
It’s tempting to stay at home, binge Netflix, and convince yourself that digital connections are enough. After all, isn’t WhatsApp a substitute for catching up at the pub, and couldn’t that conference just be another Zoom call? But the truth is: no, it isn’t, and no, it couldn’t.
Building real relationships takes effort, energy, and — yes — money. But if you think spending a tenner on a coffee or a few hundred on a conference is steep, you’re missing the point. Friendships and connections are the best ROI you’ll ever get.
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Your social circle is your greatest asset
As Keith Ferrazzi puts it in Never Eat Alone, “Success in any field, but especially in business, is about working with people, not against them.” Your network doesn’t just help you land jobs, deals, or opportunities; it’s the safety net that catches you when life gets rough. And like any asset, it needs investment: time, energy, and yes, cash.
Want to grow your career? Go to that networking event. Want to feel less lonely? Meet your mate for a drink. As Ginni Rometty points out in Good Power, the right people can help you unlock your potential — but you have to show up.
Netflix will still be there tomorrow
Of course, staying in is easier. It’s warm, it’s cheap, and you don’t have to deal with awkward small talk. But success — in life and business — doesn’t happen on your sofa. You won’t find your next big idea scrolling TikTok, and you won’t build lasting connections behind a screen.
David De Cremer in The AI-Savvy Leader explains the importance of collaboration and face-to-face communication. The same holds true outside the workplace. People trust, connect, and invest in those they’ve shared a meal, laugh, or idea with. Digital chats might start relationships, but in-person is where they thrive.
Stop using the cost-of-living crisis as an excuse
I get it, things are tight. But investing in relationships isn’t about luxury; it’s about intention. That coffee meeting might cost you £10, but the idea you walk away with could be worth thousands. A conference ticket might set you back £500, but the connection you make there could change your career trajectory.
As Ferrazzi reminds us, relationships are recession-proof. The price of not investing in them is far higher than the temporary discomfort of spending a bit. Budget for connection like you budget for groceries — it’s nourishment, just in a different form.
ROI on relationships: Priceless
Every pound you spend on connections pays back in ways you can’t measure. From expanding your career opportunities to improving your mental health, the dividends are endless.
Think of it as compound interest — every interaction builds on the last, and before you know it, you’ve got a network that supports, challenges, and uplifts you.
The bottom line: Show up, even if it costs you
Your circle defines your success. Whether it’s a pint at the pub, networking with peers, or a dinner with old friends, those moments matter more than any app or algorithm.
Building meaningful relationships takes effort and, yes, money. But as anyone who’s ever taken the leap knows, the returns are worth every penny.
So, close the laptop, put on your shoes, and go. The world isn’t waiting, but the people who could change your life just might be.