If you hang around with five people who smoke, it is likely you will become the sixth. If your friends all drink too much, it is likely you will too. If you mix with owners whose businesses are struggling, then it is likely that yours will too.
Our behaviours are often influenced by the people we spend time with. The Social Contagion Theory suggests that people’s thoughts, emotions and behaviours can be influenced, both positively and negatively, by the people around them, leading to the spread of ideas, attitudes and behaviours throughout social networks.
As the owner of a small business, achieving 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.
If you research it, you will find various iterations of this saying, but I think Dr. Steve Maraboli summed it up perfectly when he said “If you hang out with chickens, you’re going to cluck and if you hang out with eagles, you’re going to fly”.
Put simply, in order to achieve success, it is important to align yourself with people who can, and will, challenge, inspire and support you on your business journey.
It is tough running a business and it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and isolated. When you have the right people by your side: business owner peers who understand your struggles; mentors who have been in your shoes; a coach who can help you foster a mindset of growth, especially when dealing with setbacks and self-doubt; you can soar to new heights.
These individuals are your eagles. They see potential in you and in your business that you might not always recognise and will push you, gently but firmly, to aim higher and think bigger.
On the flip side, if you surround yourself with people who doubt your vision or resist growth you are operating in an environment where it is difficult to prosper, and you risk stalling.
Like chickens who cluck and flap a lot but never leave the ground, negative influences can keep you tied to limiting beliefs and bad habits.
Business owners can easily become a by-product of their negative surroundings unless they make a conscious decision to change.
By intentionally seeking out those who are ahead of you in their business journey, you can raise yourself up to their level, whether that be 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, ensuring you don’t overlook the essential details of running a sustainable business and a coach can hold you accountable in a way that others may not, which is crucial when working towards ambitious goals.
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. 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. If not, maybe it is time to make some changes.
