The Power of Personal Networks Part 2

Beyond Transaction – Building Relationships That Matter

Peter Comrie Publisher WBN News – Okanagan and WBN News – Winnipeg
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We live in a hyper-connected world, where we can message, tag, like, or follow almost anyone, anywhere, anytime. But with all this access, a curious thing has happened: genuine relationships have become rarer.

In leadership, as in life, we must resist the temptation to treat people as means to an end. Relationships built on convenience, utility, or silent expectation of return may serve a short-term purpose, but they don’t hold up under pressure. Nor do they nourish the kind of leadership that endures.

To build a truly effective and resilient personal network, we must go beyond transaction.

The Currency of Real Relationships: Trust, Time, and Presence

At their core, meaningful relationships are built on three foundational currencies:

Trust – earned through consistency, follow-through, and integrity.
Time – invested without always expecting a return.
Presence – being truly there when it matters, even when it’s inconvenient.

These elements cannot be manufactured or automated. They must be practiced. And they must be felt by the other person.

Stop Networking. Start Connecting.

“Networking” has become a buzzword often associated with elevator pitches and business cards. But the most effective leaders don’t just network, they connect. They listen deeply. They remember birthdays. They ask questions that matter. They show up without needing anything.

Connection is not about visibility, it’s about valuing the person in front of you.

When we connect with people as whole human beings, not roles or titles, something remarkable happens: we build the kind of relationships that endure, evolve, and serve as mutual sources of strength.

Relationships That Grow With You

The best networks are made up of people who grow with you. Who challenge your thinking while supporting your growth. Who don’t disappear when titles change or opportunities dry up. Who are in it with you for the long haul.

These relationships become safe places to test ideas, express doubt, or be vulnerable without fear. They are where your leadership can be sharpened, supported, and sustained.

Practice the Art of Contribution

Want to build deeper relationships? Start with contribution:

Offer help or insight without being asked
Share something valuable you read or learned
Introduce people who might benefit from knowing each other
Celebrate others’ wins, publicly and privately

Generosity builds gravity. People naturally gravitate toward those who create value without keeping score.

Final Thought

The question isn’t just who you know, it’s how you show up in those relationships. Are you there just when it’s easy? Or also when it’s hard? Are you a transaction, or a source of trust?

As you reflect on your own network, consider this:

Every meaningful relationship you build today becomes a foundation for the leader you’ll be tomorrow.

My best to you,

~peter~

Let’s Keep Talking!

Peter Comrie
Co-Founder and Human Capital Specialist at Full Spectrum Leadership Inc.
Reach out to me at peter@fullspectrumleadership.com

Or connect with me here to book a call!

Reach me on Linkedin; https://www.linkedin.com/in/petercomrie/

We can also chat on Bluesky: @petercomrie.bsky.social

Tags: leadership, personal networks, trust, connection, influence, relationships, executive coaching, leadership development, legacy, resilience, mentoring, communication, community building