I wrote article here not too long ago about how I did a friend a favor. It was very controversial, but it inspired me to write this one about the importance of friends in having influence and power. A man without friends is a man without power. I'll discuss a couple ways to develop friendships that will be fruitful later on in your life.

Politics is a very good way to make powerful friends. About 5 years ago a childhood friend of mine started expressing an interest in politics. A seat on our local council was available so I encouraged him to run for it. I put up signs, went door to door for him, and encouraged everyone I knew to get out and vote. His victory was not only good for me, but also very profitable for me. Changes to zoning codes were made which made my land more valuable and allowed me to put businesses up that I wanted to. This friendship has been and shall continue to be very profitable to me.

Another friend of mine is a very well respected doctor in our city. He is also involved with a medical school in our area. My youngest brother was applying to medical school a year ago. I called my friend and asked if he would put in a good word for my brother. Lo and behold my brother was accepted despite not having the most impressive GPA. I made this friend when we were both volunteering at a hospital in high school. My brother likely would not have gotten had I been friends with the doctor.

Both these friendships provided me great benefit. The key was where I found these friends. Not at bar or a club ,but places and situations where successful people are or are trying to develop themselves.