How to Make Rich Friends

Dan Martell emphasizes that thinking in terms of people, not just problems, is a key driver of success. He asserts that everyone is one conversation away from achieving their dreams, and a single relationship or introduction can completely alter the trajectory of a life or business. The quality of these relationships, rather than what people can directly do for you, is often the most valuable asset, as supportive individuals will uplift you when you’re down. Knowing you can reach out to the world’s best person on any topic instills a sense of invincibility.

Successful People Prioritize Collaboration Over Individual Problem-Solving

Rather than asking, “How do I solve this?” the most successful individuals ask, “Who has already solved this?” Martell credits his friend Ben Hardy for spreading this mindset, emphasizing that every challenge has already been overcome by someone else. By building relationships with these solution-holders, you inherit their knowledge directly, bypassing years of trial and error. Creating connections with people who have the right blueprint for success can save you from thousands of avoidable mistakes. Martell relates his own decision at age 28 to move to San Francisco, seeking proximity to people living bigger lives. He highlights that such relationships and learning often come from simply being present in environments full of achievers—the solution to many problems is “caught, not taught.”

Networking Requires Goals and Role Models

Martell recommends a deliberate approach to networking with what he calls a “hit list.” First, write out specific goals—such as improving health, managing finances, building new relationships, or excelling at a hobby like wakesurfing. Next to each goal, write down a person who has already achieved what you want. If you don’t know these achievers personally, search for them on YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok. For example, Martell mentions Alan Dick for health, Garrett Gunderson for money, and Keith Ferrazzi—author of “Never Eat Alone”—for networking. For wakesurfing, Martell contacted professional Austin Keene and formed a coaching relationship that beca ...

Networking can unlock powerful opportunities, but certain behaviors and beliefs can sabotage success before relationships even begin. Dan Martell outlines critical mistakes and mental traps that can undermine your reputation, credibility, and ability to connect with people you admire.

Behavioral Issues Undermine Your Reputation and Credibility Before Forming Relationships

Flaking or being chronically late destroys trust. Martell shares a story about inviting someone to a founder’s hike—the person said he’d come but never showed up. Martell explains, “98% of people that say I'll be there, they don't show up. That's why I do the hike. It acts as a filter. Most people fail at the filter.” High-level people must surround themselves with those who consistently follow through. If you say you’ll do something and don’t, it marks your reputation and makes it hard for others to overlook later. Martell stresses, “If you're not somebody that can do what they say they're going to do, people won't trust you.” To avoid this, only commit when you’re 100% sure, and if situations change, communicate immediately.

Appearing needy or desperate by idolizing successful people also backfires. Martell notes that some treat people as though they possess “magical fairy dust,” expecting their mere attention to guarantee success. This kind of neediness, especially encroaching into someone’s personal space or acting like a “fan,” makes high achievers uncomfortable. Instead, present yourself with peer-like body language: keep arm’s length, lean back, stand to their side, and act with the confidence of an equal.

Premature requests—asking for favors or introductions right away—will almost always get an immediate “no” and can hinder future cooperation. Martell recommends always offering help first. Instead of asking, “Can I edit your video?” simply edit a video and send it as a gift. Give first, and do it without expectation; genuine generosity builds connection better than transactional keeping-score mentalities. Transactional relationships, where every action is a calculated trade, undermine authenticity and breed distance. The best networkers, like Gary Vaynerchuk, treat relationships as long-term investments, giving intentionally and nurturing without agenda.

Mindset Blockers Prevent Relationship Building With People You Admire

Not all obstacles are external—internal beliefs can be even more paralyzing. Martell identifies several “mindset blockers” that prevent people from forming real relationships with those they look up to.

A false belief in unworthiness often stops people from reaching out. “Who am I to take that person's time?” is a common refrain. Comparing your early journey to someone else’s advanced chapter creates an illusion that you aren’t worthy or interesting, but Martell insists, “That is not true.” Personal worth is not dictated by achievements; your value and your accomplishments are separate. E ...

Dan Martell's Tribe Network framework outlines how to approach building meaningful professional and personal relationships with intention, consistency, and authenticity. The methodology comprises four key steps: Target, Invest, Build, and Edit.

Target: Create a List of People to Build Relationships With Based On Their Desired Results

The first step, Target, involves creating a list of individuals aligned with your goals. The focus isn’t on what these people can give you, but rather on how you can show up for them and build genuine connections. Martell cautions against a transactional mindset and instead urges intentionality—prioritizing relationships based on authentic engagement and value.

To begin, make a list from your goals of people you can connect with, particularly those who have already achieved the results you’re seeking. It's wise not to target those who are already at the pinnacle of their fields at first, since they’re hard to access. Instead, engage with individuals a few steps ahead, which helps build experience and confidence.

Crucially, Martell emphasizes not fixating on any one person as the gatekeeper of your success. Relying on a single individual's approval, response, or assistance can be risky and limiting. Instead, make a broad list—dozens or even hundreds of names—so your chances of building the right connections increase without hinging your dreams on a single relationship.

Invest by Consistent Presence, Time, and Support

The Invest phase means showing up—literally and figuratively—for the people on your list. Consistency in your presence, support, and engagement is key. Attending someone's events, cheering them on during milestone projects, and offering help without expecting anything in return establishes a foundation of trust and rapport.

For example, Martell recounts when a close friend traveled across the country just to attend his first book signing. That act—turning up purely to provide support—demonstrated genuine investment in the relationship and deepened their bond. Ongoing, consistent actions like these form the strong foundations of mutually valued relationships, showing that your commitment is more than transactional.

Create a Platform For Inviting Collaboration and Adding Value To Lives

Building your network further requires creating platforms where you can invite collaboration and offer value to others. Platforms can take many forms: newsletters, podcasts, regular dinners, group hikes, or curated events. The key is to create opportunities for connection, learning, and camaraderie among like-minded or complementary individuals.

Hosting gatherings—whether intimate dinners with entrepreneurs or larger inclusive activities like hikes—positions you as a connector and resource within your network. Such gatherings don't need to be costly to be effective; low-cost or free initiatives remove barriers and create touchpoints that foster organic connections.

Careful curation of attendees at these events can facilitate mutually b ...

Dan Martell shares actionable strategies for building authentic relationships with high-level and influential individuals. By prioritizing research, authenticity, and genuine value, it’s possible to establish meaningful professional connections.

Research First: Authentic and Informed Outreach

Martell emphasizes the importance of doing thorough homework before reaching out. This involves consuming the target person’s public content—reading their books, watching their videos, reviewing their interviews, and generally getting immersed in their world. Asking questions that have already been publicly answered signals a lack of effort and genuine interest, which is not only disrespectful but also diminishes credibility. Instead, demonstrating understanding by uncovering unique or nuanced shared interests can foster deeper connections. Martell stresses never to “freestyle” an outreach, and particularly warns against using AI-generated messages. While AI tools can inspire ideas, high-level contacts can quickly spot generic, inauthentic outreach attempts. Bots lack the genuine personalization that stands out.

Concise, Specific, No Immediate Ask in Initial Outreach

Martell recommends keeping initial messages concise, specific, and free of overt requests. Specificity proves that actual research has been done, setting the outreach apart from mass, impersonal messages. Citing a particular video, article, or a mutual connection—as in, “Hey, Dan, I went down the rabbit hole on your videos and I’m debating whether to use Grok build or Codex”—is tangible evidence of invested attention. Including a mutual connection or content reference adds credibility and context.

A practical tip is to include a cell phone number in your message. Busy people appreciate being able to respond quickly and directly, such as via text message, which reduces the friction in continuing the conversation. Avoid mentioning collaboration, promotions, or investments in your initial communication, as such overt asks are frequently filtered out. The focus should be on establishing rapport, not on making immediate requests for favors or business.

Seeking Advice Fosters Genuine Professional Relationships

To genuinely start building a relationship, Martell advises asking for advice rather than making a pitch. The key is to pose a researched, specific question—one that is informed by public knowledge but not trivially answered by existing content. This invites a thoughtful response without creating obligation and keeps the exchange nuanced and simple. Framing requests as curiosity-driven rather than transactional reduces pressure on the recipient and fosters genuine dialogue.

Advice Follow-Up Strengthens Relationships and Builds Momentum

After receiving advice, Martell insists on promptly following up: thank the person and let them know how their input was helpful. Describing exactly what you did with their sugges ...