Hi, Will - nice article and in line with some thoughts I am developing.

First, I would comment that I use the phrase "circle of trust" to refer to those with whom I have developed a special relationship.  This clearly reinforces an essential element of the relationship - trust.

I believe that your circle has to have two other elements beyond trust in order to function well:

1)  You actively seek and give (what I was talking about above)

Like a circle, everyone standing around the campfire is equal ... equal in what they have to offer and equal in what they need.  Not in the details, but in the essence of both needing and having to share.

2)  You connect other people within the circle to those to whom they need to be connected.

For quite a while, I considered my circle to be primarily my "Go To" people, who could help me.   After a few embarrassing moments, I realized that I needed to ante up and contribute to them.  Finally I noticed that person A might have something that person C needs.  Nothing to do with me, except I know both people and can connect them.

Thanks for prodding my thinking today:)

John