CONSIDER THIS: 5 People You Shouldn't Live Without

::Singing:: "FRIENDS. How many of us have them? FRIENDS. Ones we can depend on." 2 points if you remember that song. 
How many of y'all have awesome friends who always come thru in the clutch? What have they done for you lately? Were they there for you when you got a flat tire? Were they there to cheer you up after an unexpected breakup? Were they there to support your latest business venture? Were they there to babysit your seed while you went out to twerk it with the youngins? 

I don't have a lot of friends and I am ok with that. What I do have is a group of 5 specific friends I think everyone should have. These are not my only friends and they are not my bffs, but they have all made my life better. Some forms of dependable friends fly under they radar of awesomeness. These 5 people embody *that*. They're undervalued until you need them. If you're saying you don't have dependable friends, I'm here for you boo. Before y'all go off and judge me, read thru the list and think about how many times you WISHED you had *that* friend. 

5. The Club Promoter/Bouncer. I know last week everyone 25+ realized they're too old for clubbing, but what do you do when you DO feel like going out? You're not tryna stand in line or wait forever to get your wing order. Everyone needs a club promoter friend who can get them into a party hassle free (and free). 
How to Make Friends With Them: Be interesting. Don't be shy about starting a convo. You need them to remember you because they tend to be flighty. Find somethin y'all have in common. Make them feel important. If you happen to see them outside of the club acknowledge them. Throw out some bait and see if they catch it. Light pressure. Go to their parties and bring beautiful people with you. Club Promoters are social by nature so all you have to do is find a way to tap into it and make it last. While you're at it make nice with the bartenders too.

4. The Retail Worker. This one is obvious: you want their employee discount. No need to sugarcoat it. When you're looking to build your wardrobe for a new job, retail workers and their discounts of 10%-75% are a valuable asset. 
How to Make Friends With Them: Don't ask for their discount the first time you meet. Shop frequently and always let them help you. Express your loyalty to them. Don't just windowshop. Allow them to build rapport with you. Give them your personal contact information and support their events. Get to know their lives outside of the retail environment. Where are they from? Do they have kids? Are they married? Don't purposely fall off once you think you won't need them anymore. 

3. The Friend with the "Hookup." The friend with the hookup is arguably the most beloved friend in the bunch. Holla if ya hear me. This is not just the wingman hookup, but the person who can get you whatever you need. They are the essence of "refer a friend." Need a yacht for a yacht party? They can make a call. Need a last minute flight and Kayak aint giving you what you need? They got the hookup. Need a deal on a rental car? They got it. 
How to Make Friends With Them: Show them you care about more than what they can do for you. Don't limit your conversations to things they can hook you up with. Do something for them. Don't wait until you need a hookup to reach out.  Remember their birthday. Remember their anniversary. Yes, you should do these things so you feel less guilty when the time comes for you to ask for a hookup. 

2. Someone to Delete Social Media Accounts. Back in the days of hiding porn mags under beds people had at least one friend who knew where they were so they could destroy them in the event of their untimely death. "Don't let my mom find my Playboy stash bro." At present, we should all have at least one person who can delete social media accounts in the event of our untimely death. I'm afraid there aren't enough people who have this friend. 
How to Make Friends With Them: This person should be someone you already know and can trust with current access to your account. Would you rather that or the local news getting their hands on your photos to paint a skewed picture of you?

1. Investors. If you're a dreamchaser, there will come a time in your life when you will need investors. Investors are people willing to give you money for a cause. If that person is you, props to you. If that person is NOT you, its time to make an effort to connect with those people. You may want to start a stock market club or a non-profit organization. Money talks. Money makes everything better. 
How to Make Friends With Them: This one is going to take a lot of effort. You're gonna have to work your way up and through different circles. Go to their fundraisers, teas and socials. The world is small. You gotta be able to blend in with different crowds. Be seen on their scene. Be someone people can trust. Keep your name clean. Make nice with people who know investors and don't mind introducing you. Don't go around dickriding people with money doe. I'm sayin go out & make meaningful connections with people. Don't be creepy.

Stop right there. I know what you're thinkin. It sounds like I'm encouraging people to be "users." That is not the case. You know better. The way to build relationships with each of the 5 people discussed above is to appeal to them on a human level. Find a common ground. Let them get to know you. Make an effort to get to know them. I don't know about y'all, but I am not the person who discounts a friendship with a qualifier. Don't call them things like your "club promoter friend" because thats just rude. If you're expecting them to do things for you, you have to be willing to be a good friend to them.  Well, what are you waiting for? Go out and make some connects!