A friend of mine got a cold message from a new grad asking for hours of free mentorship, and it highlights a huge mistake I see all the time. You can't start a relationship by asking to "pick someone's brain." Real, valuable relationships are built on mutual respect and leading with value, not taking it. I'll tell you how to do it the right way.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Never lead with an ask. Don't ask a busy person for their time before providing any value.
• Ask yourself how you can help the person you want to connect with. Make their life easier.
• Time is a non-renewable resource. Respect other people's time as much as you do your own.
• Be genuinely interested in other people. Ask them questions instead of just talking about yourself.

🧠 Pro Tip: Read How to Win Friends and Influence People. It's a masterclass on how to be a good human and build strong connections by genuinely caring about others.

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