Do you realise that the company you keep can have a huge impact on your life?
The friends you surround yourself with, the people you choose to do business with, say everything about you.
They will also have a great impact on your level of success in life.
From influencing our behaviour and attitudes to providing emotional support and shaping our experiences, the people we call our friends really can make or break us.
In this article, we'll explore five ways in which our friends can play a significant role in shaping who we are and how we navigate the world.
So, if you're ready to take a closer look at the role that friends play in your life, keep reading.
Get ready to learn how your friends can make or break you, and how you can cultivate strong, supportive relationships that will help you thrive.
1. They rub off on you
Some people have an energy and charisma that is simply magnetic.
Many people say that former US President Bill Clinton is like this, and that when he is talking to someone he makes them feel like they’re the only person in the room.
Motivated and dynamic people are energy givers rather than takers.
When you’re a young investor or entrepreneur it’s absolutely crucial that you surround yourself with people like this, so that you’re being fuelled by the company you keep rather than drained.
These are people who inspire you to push on, and who take the tough journey to success in their stride.
Role models, in other words.
2. They open up networks
Then of course there is the plain hard truth of business: it’s all about who you know.
And who you know knows.
Try not to see friends doing well in your field or industry as threats to be avoided.
Instead, see them as mentors who can open up business networks and opportunities for you.
Reputation is everything in business and you want to be the first person someone thinks of when an opportunity comes up.
Influential friends can organise introductions with the right people and really make a difference in whether or not your business takes off.
3. They are doers
We’ve all come across the ‘ideas guy’ at the barbecue.
He waffles on forever about this great business idea he had about 20 years ago, which is yet to be put into practice.
Then there are those who get out and ‘do’.
They don’t wait until it’s too late.
They put their plan into action and they translate their dreams into reality.
These are great people to surround yourself with as there will be times when your motivation flags and you will need a bit of kick up the backside.
Doers are great for this.
4. They have made the mistakes
Another great thing about being friends with successful people is that they have been there, and done that.
They have made mistakes and learned from them.
They’re an invaluable source of information on what not to do.
I am a big believer in mentoring, and this is where those who have more experience than you are so important.
They can guide you, give you advice, and warn you away from any potholes on your path.
This doesn’t mean you won’t make any mistakes at all, but it does mean you will make fewer.
5. They challenge you
The best mentors will, at times, tell you that you’re wrong.
They may ask you to see a situation in a different light or challenge your opinion.
This may make you bristle at first, but you should be thanking them.
Successful people are not afraid to challenge you, and this will make you grow — both as a person and as an investor.
These are just a few of the ways successful people positively impact your life.
If you look around your own circle of friends and associates and see only people who drain you, who lack enthusiasm for life, and who are not interested in pushing themselves, then I suggest you find some new ones.
You will be surprised by the impact it has on your life.
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