Relationship Equity

About the Author

Richard Walker is a distinguished entrepreneur and author, recognized for his remarkable journey from a small-town bricklayer to the CEO of a successful tech company. Throughout his career, Richard has always emphasized the importance of building genuine and meaningful relationships. He attributes his success to the kindness and support of others, advocating that "if you are a friend who is genuine, you will have genuine friends – and lo and behold – they will want to help you just as you have helped them." His book, Relationship Equity: Your Cornerstone Investment to Great Gains in Business and Life, encapsulates his philosophy on the significance of relationships in both personal and professional spheres.

Main Idea

The central theme of Relationship Equity revolves around the concept that strong, genuine relationships are fundamental to achieving success and fulfillment in life and business. Richard Walker delves into how cultivating a mindset focused on relationship equity can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes, personal growth, and professional opportunities. By investing in relationships without expecting immediate returns, individuals can create a supportive network that contributes to long-term success.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: We’re All Just People
2. Investing in Humanity
3. The Relationship Equity Mindset
4. Foundations of A Philosophy
5. Links on the Links
6. Awakening to Oneself
7. Breaking Down the Barriers
8. “We’re Doing Good Today, Thanks.”
9. For Better and For Worse
10. Conclusion: A Wealth of Possibility

Introduction: We’re All Just People

Richard begins his book by recounting a profound lesson from his father: “No, they’re not better. And if you start thinking others are better than you, that means you’re thinking you’re better than others, and you’re not. We’re all just people.” This perspective shaped his understanding of human interactions, emphasizing the equality of all individuals. As Richard advanced in life, he realized the immense value of relationships and how they played a crucial role in his personal and professional growth.

"We rise, or we fall, on the quality and strength of our relationships." - Richard Walker

In this section, Walker sets the stage for his readers, inviting them to reflect on their own relationships and how these connections impact their lives. He makes it clear that this book is not just a business manual but a guide to living a more fulfilling and interconnected life.

Chapter 1: Investing in Humanity

Richard shares an anecdote about meeting a significant mentor, Bill, who focused on helping others succeed. This encounter highlighted the essence of relationship equity – the power of genuine care and assistance. Walker likens relationship equity to an investment, not necessarily in monetary terms but in people. By building relationships based on mutual respect and support, one can achieve remarkable success in various aspects of life.

investing in humanity:

• Mentoring a colleague to help them advance in their career.
• Providing emotional support to a friend going through a tough time.
• Volunteering in community service to help those in need.

Walker emphasizes that this investment in humanity pays off in unexpected and profound ways. When we help others achieve their goals, we build a network of individuals who are eager to reciprocate, creating a cycle of mutual growth and support.