We often hear that success happens when preparation meets opportunity. But opportunity doesn’t appear out of nowhere—it comes from building relationships. Success isn’t just about being prepared for when an opportunity presents itself; it takes forging relationships with the people who create those opportunities.
Why Community, Not Just Opportunity, Drives Success
Many self-help narratives emphasize self-reliance. American culture promotes rugged individualism: “Work hard and success will find you.” Behind every major achievement is a network of relationships—the people who made introductions or contributed their expertise.
Job offers come from hiring managers. Book deals come from publishers and agents. Funding for startups isn’t just about a great pitch; it’s about the investors who believe in the founder. Every opportunity is created, extended, or facilitated by humans.
The Myth of the Self-Made Success
Society loves the idea of the self-made person: the lone genius who pulled themselves up by sheer willpower. But if you look closely, every success story resulted from building relationships.
Steve Jobs had Steve Wozniak to build Apple’s first computer.
Oprah Winfrey had mentors and producers who gave her a shot early in her career.
Serena Williams had coaches, trainers, and family support that shaped her into an elite athlete.
Even the most talented and prepared people need someone to recognize their potential, open a door, or lend a hand.
How to Start Building Relationships
Put in the steady effort. Master your craft. But preparation alone isn’t enough if no one knows about your work. That’s where community comes in.
Success accelerates when you invest in relationships. Community isn’t just networking—it’s about genuine connections, shared support, and mutual growth. Here’s how to cultivate it:
Show Up for Others: Support, share, and help where you can without an immediate agenda.
Engage in the Right Spaces: Be active in groups, events, or circles aligned with your passions and goals.
Ask for Advice, Not Just Favors: People are more willing to help those who seek to learn rather than just take.
Be Consistent: Trust and rapport build over time, not overnight.
When you consistently show up prepared and engaged in your community, you’re not just passively waiting for an opportunity, you’re building relationships that create them.
Where do you need to put in more effort—your preparation, your community, or both?
