Why Trust, Relationships, and Real Value Still Take Time in an On-Demand World
These days, we want everything now. Technology has stripped away what we used to call friction—those natural pauses that gave us space to think, learn, and grow. Need dog food? It’s delivered to your doorstep before you’re home from your commute. Did an article recommend you buy a product? It’s in your online cart before you’ve even finished reading the article. That was just my Saturday—how about yours?
This kind of convenience feels like control. One more thing done. One more task off the list. And for a while, it feels good. Productive. Efficient. Accomplished.
Until it doesn’t.
Because when everything is easy, we start expecting everything to be easy. We spend more, chase more, and value less. We start to believe relationships—real ones, the kind that matter—should be just as frictionless. But they’re not – and they never were.
“Earning the Right” isn’t Optional
In both business and life, trust has to be earned. Real relationships are built, not bought.
When I was building Placers, I knew leaders weren’t spending their day thinking about staffing solutions. They had businesses to run, problems to solve, and people to lead. If I wanted to be in the room, I had to earn the right to be there.
My good friend Ed Wallace calls this climbing the “relational ladder“—and he’s right.
So how do we earn the right in a world moving faster than ever? Consider these principles:
- Be a Good Person and Have a Good Story
Culture is your story. At Placers, our story is how we define who we are, what we do, and how we show up for others. That story earns us the right to be in the conversation. In a world with goldfish attention spans (me too!), you have to be clear, compelling, and real.
What’s your story? What values guide you? Do you know your values and personal culture?
- Relationships Take Time and Are a Choice
We must create more value in a relationship than we take. As Bob Burg, co-author of The Go-Giver, says:
“Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value than you take in payment.”
This principle applies to life and business alike. Genuine relationships thrive when we focus on serving others, not just on what we can gain. A great resource on this is my podcast conversation with Bob Burg, bestselling author and speaker best known for The Go-Giver series—a set of business parables that emphasize the power of giving, authenticity, and value-driven relationships. In our episode (releasing 05/09/25), we dive into the idea of leading with generosity and discuss why being a giver, not a taker, is the real key to long-term success.
- Be Curious and Find Common Ground
Building relationships requires engagement. Lean in, ask questions, and get to know the other person. You must have something to offer. Common ground—whether it’s a similar challenge or a mutual interest—you lay the foundation for trust.
- Good Questions Lead to Meaningful Connections
We build common ground when we learn about others. The best way to do that is by asking thoughtful, intentional questions. Not just the surface-level stuff—but the kind of questions that uncover someone’s goals, challenges, and aspirations. Because when we understand what matters to someone, we’re able to bring real value to the table.
- Manners Still Matter
We live in a world where speed and efficiency often replace courtesy—but small gestures still go a long way. Saying thank you, remembering a name, or simply showing up on time can make all the difference. Timing matters too. Don’t rush the relationship. Think of it like sales: you don’t ask for the budget before saying hello. You don’t propose on the first date. The best relationships are built with patience, presence, and respect. Earning the right takes time – I discuss this concept specifically in this short video.
- Follow Through on What You Say
Reliability is everything—especially early on. In new relationships, people are looking for proof they can trust you. The fastest way to earn that trust? Do what you say you’re going to do. Be prompt. Be clear. Pay attention to the details. It might seem small, but follow-through sets the tone for everything that comes next.
How Are You Showing Up for Others Today?
Earning the right doesn’t happen overnight. People observe sincerity and consistency. Are you genuinely interested in building a connection, or are you simply trying to close a deal? Do you care about the relationship, or are you seeking a transaction?
Earning the right starts with being a good person—before ever thinking about a strategy to win someone over.
Until next time, friends,
Chris
If you enjoyed this article, I recommend reading these past Outside Insights posts:
The Life Plan Review: A No-BS Way to Finally Follow Through
When You Think You’re Done, Try For “One More”
Was 2024 The Year You Wanted It To Be?
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