What is the Relationship Value Pyramid?

A framework for categorizing and evaluating the depth and relevancy of each connection.

Business relationship experts and networking gurus all agree that not all relationships are created equal, some bonds are far more relevant than others. Think of a relationship as an investment. We have a finite amount of resources, and it doesn't make sense to invest equally in every person we know. So, how do you intentionally prioritize where to focus? That's where most people get stumped—there's no systematic way to assess everyone in your relationship portfolio through that critical lens. Not unless you have a Relationship Value Pyramid, a simple framework for prioritizing your network and how much you should invest in each relationship.

The Relationship Value Pyramid has four tiers:

• Situation: At the base is the Situation tier, filled with people who come and go, and whose long-term relevance is unclear. Access to them is sporadic, you may see them from time to time, or be loosely connected to them on social networks, or via friends of friends. It's collegial but transactional. This level makes up the largest portion of most people’s relationship portfolios, between 70 and 90% fo the average professional.

• Investment: Next is the Investment tier, people who you invest real time, effort, and resources to cultivate bonds over time. Your access to them is more regular - think of work colleagues, from current or former roles. They have more enduring relevance and value to your core work and purpose than your broader network. You make time for them and prioritize your dealings proactively. The investment tier typically accounts for between 10-20% of your network.

• Portfolio: Up next is the Portfolio tier - your go-to subject matter experts and thought partners. These are relationships with people who understand an area deeper than you or anyone else in your circle. It's a collaborative dynamic built on mutual insight-sharing and mutual respect. For example, it's the industry-specialized recruiter in HR that you repeatedly turn to — the construction company CEO who understands the world like no other. This Relationship Value Pyramid tier accounts for between 5-10% of your relationships,.

• 2 AM: Finally, the most prized business relationships are your 2AMs - your closest, most deeply invested relationships. The individuals in your relationship ecosystem that you would quite literally be able to turn to at 2 Am in the morning, There's an unquantifiable X-factor that sets this tier apart. You have immediate access to these select few, and the bond extends far beyond business. They are confidants and personal friends who value you, support you, and push you to be the best version of yourself. You simply never want to let them down. They are indispensable assets to your growth and overall well-being. As a sign of hor prized these relationships are, most individuals have no more than a dozen 2 Am’s.

The four tiers of the relationship value pyramid provide a simple framework for categorizing and evaluating every connection in your ecosystem. Think about your own ecosystem. Who are your 2 Am’s? Which contacts are purely Situtational? How do they shift over time?

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