The overall gist is that you need to pay attention to your circle of influence-i.e. the people you surround yourself with.

Why is this important?

You are the average of the five people you hang out with the most. It’s essential to choose your inner circle wisely. If most people you spend time with are always broke and doing nothing to improve their situation, you will likely experience the same financial difficulties. Emotions and energies can be contagious.

As a solopreneur, you will not succeed if surrounded by people who do not believe in your ability to create a successful business.

SMH

People with negative attitudes tend to have a negative impact. In contrast, those with a positive attitude tend to have a positive effect. As a solopreneur, you will not succeed if surrounded by people who do not believe in your ability to create a successful business. Understanding how your inner circle influences your goals as a solopreneur is crucial.

Fear Of The Unknown

As a new business owner, it’s common to experience fear and self-doubt.

As a matter of fact, research shows that humans are more fearful of jumping out of a plane than starting a business. Our worries come from not knowing if we will be successful; we are uncertain of the eventual outcome. Most of us are just winging it. Having a few negative Nellies in your inner circle is a surefire way to derail your business plan quickly.
Even if you don’t know it, your circle influences you, even if they don’t mean to.

Your circle of influence holds up a mirror that shows what they value (or don’t). This is especially true of friends who have the same goals or ideals as us.
But though we tend to be drawn to people similar to us in some way, our goals and ideals evolve as we do. You may discover that a person no longer shares your values or goals, and their opinion doesn’t mean as much because you don’t see them as crucial to your hustle.
Again, in most cases, this friction is unconscious.
On the other hand, if someone shares our values or goals, their opinion will likely affect how we work as entrepreneurs, business owners, creators, etc.

What Is A Good Circle of Influence?

Motivation

Being around people who are driven and ambitious can inspire you to work harder and strive for success. On the other hand, if you surround yourself with complacent people, you may become complacent too.

Support

A supportive network can make a big difference in achieving your goals. The odds of staying on course and overcoming hurdles increase if the people around you encourage and provide constructive criticism.

Accountability

Having people holding you accountable can help you stay focused and committed to your goals. If you surround yourself with people who don’t take your hustle seriously, it can be easy to slack off and lose momentum. Accountability is a beautiful tool I use in other areas of my life. For example, I love working out with friends. So, working out with a friend means I always show up, if only to prove to my friend that I am no flake.

Cheerleading

If you read the stories of most successful people today, you will find they had cheerleaders at every step, from failure to success. Cheerleaders can be family members or friends who cannot provide feedback or business advice. Still, they remind you of your positive qualities and reinforce your confidence.
Conversely, you may be in the company of individuals who do not clap whenever you win. They pretend not to notice or belittle your achievements.

A close friend helped me expand my social media presence a few years ago. I was delighted with the outcome and mentioned this win to another friend, who belittled and dismissed the achievement and moved the conversation on to something else. I recall feeling disheartened, but this exchange was a revelation for me. It made me pause and reflect. This person was as close as you get, but I noticed they have never been a cheerleader. They get bored and roll their eyes when I tell them about exciting new opportunities. They quench my excitement frequently. The only interesting topics that get focused on are those that are concentrated on them.

Mutually Beneficial

A circle of influence that is mutually beneficial is one where both parties gain value. You both motivate each other. It is not a one-sided deal where only one party’s issues are always discussed on the agenda.
Individuals constantly complaining about their lives and experiencing frequent drama may indicate one-sided deals. It is advisable to distance oneself from a circle of influence characterised by constant drama. Otherwise, you will be too tired to handle your new business.

How To Expand Your Circle of Influence

Starting a business requires you to step outside of your comfort zone. It is a transition from the comfort zone to the growth zone. And it’s no surprise that we’re terrified. People dislike change.

Focus on Your Core Values

Who are you, and what are the most important components of your life and business? A firm grasp of your beliefs and priorities might assist you in recognising when you are in the company of people who may not positively influence you.

It is perfectly acceptable for individuals to hold different values and opinions. However, you don’t want to seek business advice from a friend who believes you should get a regular job like everyone else.

Develop Your Network

As you grow, it’s important to seek out and connect with people you admire constantly. Your circle should evolve as you grow. So, expand your network by clicking with a diverse group of individuals. One of the best ways to achieve this is by joining communities that share your interests—attending events. If you are a solopreneur still working part-time, try connecting with co-workers you admire and who are also on a similar path.

Become A Good Listener

Become a good listener and surround yourself with positive individuals. Because ensuring you are also a positive influence in their lives is equally necessary. It is a common desire for individuals to feel listened to. And listening is a valuable way to gain knowledge and understanding.

Adopt A Growth Mindset

There is a vast amount of knowledge and skills available. Adopt a mindset of lifelong learning. I have observed that a common trait among successful individuals is their lifelong commitment to education.

Read & Listen To Good Books

Every blog has me preaching about the need to read. This blog is no exception, but you can listen to books if you are not a big reader. We are just so spoilt for choice. Absolutely no excuse here.

Final thoughts

Generally, it is crucial to be in the company of individuals with similar values and objectives who genuinely care about your well-being. This can assist you in maintaining motivation, concentration, and dedication to your endeavours.

I’m not advocating removing friends and family from your life. “Influence” is the operative word here. A person can be in your life, but if they fall into the category of a negative Nelly, limit their influence on your quest for excellence.

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