How to Build Powerful Allies for Lasting Success
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Change is tough—and often feels isolating. Whether you're pivoting your career, battling burnout, or launching a new venture, the temptation to go it alone is real. But going fast alone won’t sustain you for the long haul. To achieve lasting success in today’s fast-paced world of technology and AI, you need a network of strategic allies—not just friends or acquaintances, but carefully chosen relationships that inspire, guide, and open doors.
Why Allies Matter More Than Friends or Acquaintances
Going alone offers speed and control. You can make quick decisions and move at your own pace—perfect for short-term projects like learning a new skill or tackling an urgent task. But big goals, like mastering leadership or building a business, demand endurance. Isolation leads to burnout, blind spots, and missed opportunities.
Unlike casual friends or acquaintances, allies are intentional partners who share your vision and actively support your growth. They’re not just people you know—they’re trusted collaborators who challenge you, provide strategic insights, and help you navigate challenges. In a world driven by technology and AI, a strong network of allies is essential for staying ahead. Allies amplify your efforts, helping you achieve more than you could alone by offering:
Diverse perspectives to spark innovation
Shared knowledge to overcome obstacles
Mutual support to maintain momentum
The 3x3 Networking Rule: Your Blueprint for Building Powerful Allies
Random networking or collecting acquaintances wastes time. To go far, you need intentional connections with allies who align with your vision. The 3x3 Networking Rule is a simple, actionable framework to build a powerful network of allies—not just familiar faces. Every 90 days, connect with three people in each of these three categories:
1. Three Allies You Can Serve
Helping others strengthens your purpose and builds trust. These allies benefit from your expertise, time, or compassion. They might be:
A junior colleague needing mentorship
A community member who shares your values
Someone who reminds you why you started
Serving these allies keeps you grounded and reinforces your commitment to growth, creating meaningful bonds beyond surface-level acquaintances.
2. Three Allies to Collaborate With
Collaboration multiplies your impact. Seek allies with complementary skills, resources, or networks who share your goals. These are people who:
Open doors to new opportunities
Share strategic insights
Amplify your efforts through mutual support
Unlike casual contacts, these allies are synergistic partners. For example, if you’re an entrepreneur, a collaborator might be a marketer who complements your technical skills.
3. Three Allies to Inspire You
Connect with allies who think bigger and challenge your limits. These are mentors or peers who:
Have achieved what you aspire to
Push you to rethink what’s possible
Offer fresh perspectives or opportunities
These allies aren’t just impressive acquaintances—they’re transformative figures who stretch your vision and guide you toward excellence, even if they feel intimidating at first.
How to Put the 3x3 Rule Into Action
Set a 90-Day Goal: Every three months, identify nine new allies (three per category).
Budget Time: Treat these connections as a “growth investment.” Schedule coffee chats, virtual meetings, or collaborative projects.
Track Progress: Use a journal or CRM tool to monitor your outreach and relationships.
Be Intentional: Focus on quality over quantity. Choose allies who align with your long-term vision, not just people you like or know casually.
This approach ensures your network is diverse, purposeful, and built on true alliances—not fleeting or superficial connections.
Why It Works
The 3x3 Networking Rule balances service, collaboration, and inspiration. It’s not about collecting friends or acquaintances—it’s about building a small, powerful circle of allies who help you become your best self. In my coaching practice, I’ve seen clients transform their careers and businesses by applying this framework to forge meaningful alliances. It’s a proven strategy for creating a life of impact, legacy, and excellence.
Ready to Go Far?
Building the right allies isn’t about adding more people to your life—it’s about choosing the right ones with purpose. Allies, unlike friends or acquaintances, are your partners in growth, pushing you toward your goals with intention. If you’re ready to take your growth to the next level, let’s connect. As your coach, I’ll help you apply the 3x3 Networking Rule to build a network of allies that propels you toward your goals.
Start today. Identify one ally in each category and reach out. Your future self will thank you.