When entrepreneurs talk strategy, the conversation usually centers on business growth, content marketing, or visibility. But there’s another kind of strategy that doesn’t get enough airtime—one that could be the key to sustainable success: relationship strategy.

It’s not flashy. It won’t go viral. But if you’re serious about playing the long game in business, mastering this might be your greatest advantage.

The Trust Bank Concept

In The 7 Rules of Self-Reliance, there’s a powerful principle worth pausing on: making deposits in other people’s trust banks.

Think of it like this: instead of money, you’re investing trust. Your deposits are acts of service, moments of attention, quiet support, shared knowledge, and consistent presence. Over time, those deposits grow. And when the moment comes where you need advice, support, or a favor—you’re not drawing from nothing. You’re withdrawing from a well-funded account of mutual respect and goodwill.

This is how long-term players think.

They don’t use relationships as quick tools for leverage. They don’t show up only when there’s something to gain. Instead, they build and serve. They give first. And they give without expectation.

How to Build Your Trust Bank

If you want to be the kind of entrepreneur who earns trust, builds meaningful connections, and develops a reputation that stands out, here’s how you start:

Be a Value Creator
Don’t open with an ask. Open with value. That could mean sharing an insight, making a helpful introduction, offering encouragement, or simply listening deeply. Attention is one of the rarest currencies—give it freely.

Play the Long Game
Trust doesn’t appear overnight. It’s earned through consistent, meaningful engagement over time. One message doesn’t build a relationship—dozens of small moments do.

Don’t Keep Score
True generosity is unconditional. Avoid transactional thinking. When you give sincerely, it comes back—sometimes in surprising ways, often over long arcs.

Know What Matters to Others
The best relationships are rooted in understanding. Ask about goals, challenges, and values. Then look for ways to help others move closer to their vision—not yours.

As shared in The 7 Rules of Self-Reliance:

“A long-term player approaches every relationship by giving something of value and expecting nothing in return.”

Relationship Strategy and Your Brand

Your personal brand isn’t just about how visible you are—it’s about how trusted you are. Visibility might get you noticed. Trust gets you chosen.

Before you hit send on that pitch, ask for that collaboration, or launch your next product—pause. Have you made deposits? Have you shown up consistently? Have you helped without asking for anything in return?

Those small touches—checking in, sharing resources, offering kind words—are what make your brand real, relatable, and respected.

The Takeaway

Trust is your currency.
Relationships are your leverage.
And your strategy? It’s playing the long game.

Build a business that grows not just through tactics, but through trust. That’s the kind of brand people remember. That’s the kind of brand that lasts.

Let’s keep growing—with generosity and integrity.