Do You Invest In Your Relationships?

We live in a hyperconnected world where everyone is a DM away, yet somehow, we’re more disconnected than ever. It's not that we lack tools to communicate—if anything, we have too many. Texts, emails, Slack messages, LinkedIn invites.

And while we're busy swiping, liking, and endlessly scrolling, the real magic of relationships—human connection—slips through our fingers.

And... that's where Jason Mulford 's Tuesday LinkedIn post came crashing in.

I've known Jason my entire life.

The entire life.

He knows where the bodies are buried.

But the truth is Jason knows that relationships are the most undervalued asset in life.

So, I’ll ask again: Are you investing in your relationships?

Let’s get one thing straight: your network isn’t just a LinkedIn tally of "connections." It’s not the big-shot VP you once met at a networking event.

And that's the gist of Jason's post.

He points out with swiftness that we have to maintain our relationships.

It's the custodian who cleaned your dorm, the street sweeper you pass every morning, your Sunday school classmates, camp friends (pictured above), and that barista who remembers your order without you saying a word.

Every person is a potential link in the great chain of connection, whether you realize it or not.

And here’s the kicker—you never know where those links will lead.

Custodians? You bet. The one who sees every student who studies late might also know which kid is hustling harder than the rest.

Camp friends? One might become a CEO while another ends up marrying a senator’s kid.

The list is endless. Relationships are like compound interest—the earlier you start investing, the greater the return over time. But like any investment, relationships require more than a click, a follow, or an emoji reaction. They demand intention, care, and—here’s the hard one—time.

The Currency of Connection: Time and Presence

Here’s the paradox: in a world where time is the one commodity none of us can replenish, it’s also the currency that matters most when it comes to relationships. You can buy someone’s lunch, gift them a book, or share an insightful article, but nothing says “I value you” more than giving them your time.

And yet, when was the last time you sat down with someone and gave them your undivided attention? No phones buzzing on the table. No mental clock ticking. Just you, present and engaged. Hard to remember, isn’t it? That’s because we’ve outsourced human connection to convenience. Why bother catching up in person when you can shoot a quick text? Why schedule a coffee when you can skim their Instagram Stories?

Here’s why: technology is an enabler, not a substitute. It’s the spark, not the fire. Relationships aren’t built through likes and comments; they’re forged in shared experiences, conversations, and the messy, beautiful nuances of face-to-face interaction.

Connection Is Everywhere—If You’re Looking

Everywhere you go, connections are waiting to happen. The problem is, most of us walk through life with blinders on, heads down, glued to our screens. But the world doesn’t reward those who wait passively for connection to come to them. It rewards those who seek it out.

Start with the basics: carry on a conversation with the barista. Sit and listen when your colleague shares a story about their weekend. Volunteer for something that doesn’t benefit you directly. These moments, small as they seem, are the seeds of future relationships. They’re also the antidote to the transactional nature of so many of our modern interactions. When you approach people with curiosity instead of calculation, you open the door to genuine connection.

The Ripple Effect of Relationships

Let’s play out the ripple effect. That custodian you ignored in college? Maybe their kid is now running admissions at your alma mater. That camp friend you lost touch with? They might be the bridge to the VC funding you need. It’s not about being strategic—it’s about being human. Treating everyone with respect and kindness isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s also a damn good investment.

Here’s the truth: relationships don’t have immediate ROI. They’re slow burn investments. You don’t plant an acorn and get an oak tree overnight. But if you nurture those connections—reach out, check in, show up—one day, you’ll look around and realize you’re standing in a forest of opportunity.

Disconnect to Reconnect

To build real relationships, you need to disconnect from technology and reconnect with people. Yes, I know how ironic that sounds coming from someone whose email inbox has more traffic than Grand Central at rush hour. But the older I get, the more I realize that relationships aren’t just important—they’re everything. And to truly nurture them, you need to do something revolutionary: unplug.

Here’s your challenge: put the phone down. Close the laptop. Step away from the endless noise of notifications and engage with the real, three-dimensional humans in your orbit. Talk to your kid without glancing at your Apple Watch. Call an old friend just to catch up—not to pitch an idea. Sit down with your team and ask them what they care about outside of work. The moments where you’re fully present are the ones that deepen bonds and create lasting memories.

It’s Not About Numbers

There’s a myth in networking that bigger is better. More connections, more followers, more influence. But true power lies in depth, not breadth. Would you rather have a thousand LinkedIn connections who barely remember your name or ten people who’d drop everything to help you in a crisis? Quality trumps quantity every time.

The best relationships are like any good investment portfolio—diverse, balanced, and built for the long haul. You need mentors who challenge you, peers who support you, and mentees who remind you of where you’ve been. And don’t underestimate the power of lateral connections—people at your level, grinding alongside you, building their own empires.

Want to Connect? Be Someone Worth Connecting With

Here’s the final—and most important—piece of the puzzle: you have to want to connect. Not because you need something, but because you have something to give. Generosity is the foundation of all great relationships. Be the person who cheers others on, who shows up when it’s inconvenient, who remembers the little things. Relationships aren’t transactional—they’re transformational. And when you invest in others without expecting a return, the returns tend to exceed your wildest expectations.

Final Thoughts

Your network isn’t a Rolodex. It’s not a LinkedIn badge of honor. It’s the living, breathing ecosystem of people who make life richer, more interesting, and more meaningful. And the best part? Building that network isn’t about schmoozing or strategizing. It’s about being present, being curious, and being kind.

So, the next time you’re tempted to fire off a quick text or send a canned LinkedIn message, ask yourself: am I really investing in this relationship?

Or am I just checking a box?

Because in the end, the currency of relationships isn’t likes, follows, or views. It’s time, attention, and a genuine willingness to connect.

And that, my friends, is an investment worth making.