Transient Relationships + Social Media

Alright, usually I love Naval.

He talked often about the power of compound interest in wealth, health & relationships.

And I agree with almost all of that.

But I think he’s dead wrong about this take:

It could be that I’m interpreting his message wrong, but I believe his version of transient relationships = relationships from people you meet once, or don’t care to build huge relationships with.

If that’s true, I think he’s wrong.

Here’s why:

I think when it comes to “success”, nearly everyone I know mentions there is a LOT of luck involved.

There’s even the cliche: Luck + Preparation = Opportunity.

And the best way (from my experience) to get more lucky is to meet more people.

You’re increasing your luck surface area.

If everyone on the planet knows you as the guy who buys old Chevrolet cars to restore them, and someone finds one in Ohio, who do you think is their first call?

Transient Relationships give you the opportunity to be known & endeared.

Think about an older family member or friend who met a politician or friend.

The interaction might have been no more than 2 minutes.

But for the next 30 years your gradma might be telling the story of when she shook Jimmy Carters hand & how he really stopped to take the time to listen to her.

Bring it back to your own life.

How many people have you met either through school, travel, friends of friends, who you haven’t spoken to in over a year, but then when you’re in a new town they DM you on Instagram with suggestions?

Transient Relationships, while not necessarily fulfilling your desire to connect with other humans, absolutely compound in a world of social media.