Dig the Well Before You’re Thirsty

If there's one lesson I’ve learned time and again in business—and in life—it’s this: you can’t build a network when you need it. By the time you're in a crunch, it’s too late to start making introductions or building trust. That’s why I always say, dig the well before you’re thirsty.

In other words, invest in relationships long before you need to rely on them.

We’ve all seen this play out. A colleague hits a rough patch—maybe a sudden layoff, a dip in business, or a personal crisis—and suddenly they’re reaching out for help, but there’s no foundation to stand on. Not because people don’t care, but because the groundwork of connection wasn’t laid beforehand.

On the flip side, think about those who seem to “get lucky” during tough times. Their business bounces back faster. Opportunities seem to come out of nowhere. But it’s not luck. It’s relationship equity—built up over years of showing up, helping others, and staying connected.

Build Your Luck Surface Area

There’s a concept I love called “luck surface area.” The idea is simple: the more people you know, the more people who know what you do, and the more value you’ve given over time, the more likely it is that good things come your way.

That introduction you didn’t expect? The referral that lands you your next big client? The collaboration that opens a new market? Those are products of consistent, authentic relationship-building.

Here in Denver, I see this magic all the time. A realtor refers a client to a financial planner she met through a networking group months ago. A contractor gets a steady stream of work because he kept showing up to community events even when his schedule was packed. These aren’t coincidences—they’re the results of relationships that were nurtured before they were needed.

And let me be honest: I’ve been on both sides. I’ve had moments where my relationships carried me through hard times, and others where I learned the hard way what happens when you don’t invest early. The difference is night and day.

Three Ways to Start Digging Your Well Today

1. Be Consistent, Not Transactional

   Don’t just show up when you need something. Make networking part of your routine, not a panic response. Attend events, check in with your connections, and offer help without expecting anything in return.

2. Tell People What You Do

   If people don’t know how to help you, they won’t. Be clear, concise, and confident about what you offer, who you serve, and what kind of introductions you’re looking for.

3. Focus on Value, Not Volume

   A tight-knit network of a few trusted advisors is worth more than a thousand LinkedIn connections. Invest in deeper relationships with people who align with your values and your vision.

   
   

Ready to Build Your Network Before You Need It?

If you’re ready to dig your well now—before you’re thirsty—I invite you to check

out Network in Action (NIA) here in the Denver Metro area. It’s a group of committed, growth-minded professionals who believe in building genuine relationships, sharing value, and supporting one another through the ups and downs of business.

We meet regularly, connect with intention, and help each other grow. No pressure, no gimmicks—just real people building real relationships.

👉 Come visit a group or reach out to learn more about NIA.

Let’s start building your network now—so it’s there when it matters most.