The more people and things you have to depend on to get things done, the less power you have.

When you depend on people, someone not showing up or refusing to do his job kills your operation. When you're dependent on things, that thing malfunctioning or being misplaced stops you in your tracks.

I'm not saying to not have friends and to not take advantage of your resources. Just know that you can make stuff happen without them -- and that they know it too. You'll be infinitely more powerful when those resources and people are there because you want them around rather than you needing them.