Perhaps one of the most overlooked practices in business growth and success is assessing your personal network. I mean, really asking yourself: “Who am I spending my time with?” and taking a moment to truly reflect on this.
Why is this important?
Because who we spend time with influences our own perceptions, our habits and our mindset. It’s important to note that this doesn’t just apply to people who are actually physically in your life. You are also influenced by the people and characters you follow on social media, the shows you watch and books you read. Basically whatever you feed your mind!
Unfortunately there are no exceptions to this rule. If you are a human being, you will be influenced by those around you whether you are conscious of it or not. On some level, the people who are currently in your life are influencing how you think and what you do. Does that scare you?
If the people around you are unmotivated and complacent, that will influence you. If they have a scarcity mindset, that will influence you. If they believe that life is hard, that will influence you too. Their perception of the world influences yours.
So how does that influence your business?
All of these subtle influences will add up to a shift in your own mindset and productivity. It won’t necessarily be noticeable- quite the contrary. It will be tiny things over time that shift you and at some point down the track you will realise you’re not exactly where or who you wanted to be. This is not a conscious motivation by those around you to derail you. They are just being themselves, living their lives. The point I am making is the necessity for you to examine the relationships you have and consider how they are already influencing you, which in turn reflects in your business results and overall life enjoyment.
You can start by considering the following questions about your current network:
Am I surrounded by supportive, positive people?
Do I know any business leaders or high achievers?
Am I watching/listening to uplifting and inspiring programs?
Do I need to let go of some old relationships that no longer serve me?
Are the people that I am spending time with, helping or hindering my personal and business growth?
At Edward Zia’s marketing event on Tuesday evening he said