If you hang around with five people who smoke, you will become the sixth, if your friends have a bad diet and don’t hit the gym, you will join them, if you mix with people whose businesses are struggling, then it’s likely that’s what you will have.
Our behaviours are often influenced by the people we spend time with. It’s a recognition of the social contagion effect, where habits, both positive and negative, tend to spread within a group.
As a small business owner, your success isn’t just about hard work or great ideas, it’s also deeply influenced by the people around you. Just like in life, the company you keep in business can either lift you up or hold you back.
There’s an old saying: “If you surround yourself with eagles, you fly.” This metaphor speaks to the importance of aligning yourself with people who challenge, inspire, and support you on your journey.
It is tough running a business. It can be easy to feel overwhelmed and isolated. But when you have the right people by your side: business owner peers who understand your struggles, mentors who have been in your shoes, accountants who keep your finances in check, you soar to new heights.
These individuals are your eagles. They see potential in you and in your business that you might not always recognise, pushing you to aim higher and think bigger.
On the flip side, if you surround yourself with people who doubt your vision or resist growth, you risk stalling. My partner at the time just after I started my business and was getting going, said “Why don’t you pack it in and get a real job!”
Not a great environment from which to prosper.
Like chickens that never leave the ground, these influences can keep you tied to limiting beliefs and bad habits. Business owners are a by-product of their surroundings unless they make a conscious decision to change. By intentionally seeking out those who are ahead of you in their journey, you lift yourself to their altitude. This could be through experience, mindset, or skills.
A peer group of fellow business owners can offer fresh perspectives, while mentors can provide invaluable wisdom to navigate challenges. Having a solid accountant or legal advisor keeps you grounded (and safe). This will ensure you don’t overlook the essential details of running a sustainable business.
Your network is one of your greatest assets. By surrounding yourself with eagles, you position you and your business to thrive, grow, and rise above the competition. It’s simple: to fly, you need to be around those who can already soar.
Take time to reflect on your network and ask yourself if every one of them is inspiring you and creating an environment for you to achieve your goals.
