You cannot succeed alone. You have friends and family who stand by you to listen to the trials and tribulations of business. You may also have friends or family members who work with you. And they cover the entire spectrum, don't they?
They are all sorts of people you need in your life to help you succeed by your definition. They will succeed too, whether it be the benefit of seeing your success. Let's take a look at five types of people you might want or already have on your side.
People who love life.
These are people who have a positive attitude toward life. Work isn't everything. They accept that life is short. You may have had near-death experiences yourself or near your home, and they inspire you like never before. You can think outside the box, and that's what inspires leaders the most.
I have a friend, Her name is Cathy. She is a survivor. She reminds us that life is beautiful and that we should be drinking at every moment of our lives. When she gets too crazy in business, she texts Kathy about her enjoyment of being together.
Nice guy, really nice guy.
I'm talking about good people. A person who is kind to others. The CEO stands on the same playing field as the flight attendants. We want to play with them, I want to talk to them, I want to laugh with them. Open-minded people who inspire us all to do more and do good.
Candida is a really nice person. She belongs to the human resources department. She has seen and heard all about the business where people "don't be afraid to be an HR lady" and go to her if they have a problem. And in her real life, she sat beside her younger brother and her sister while cancer took her life. She has a big heart and a work ethic, but she lives her life. Enjoying. She will do anything for you and make you a better person.
People who challenge you.
The people who challenge you are the most powerful people in your network. They don't have all the answers, but most of the tough questions you never thought of. And while you may be upset that you didn't think of these questions or don't have the answers, thank God you have these people in your life! They may annoy you at times, but they will take you to levels you may not have reached yet.
Bob has always been my friend and mentor. He would be that age if his father were alive. Bob was my director. I was fortunate to have him as an investor in the company I founded. Bob tackles the difficult conversations that have to be had 'and' I am eternally grateful to him for that.
The listener who does not speak.
These people are so powerful. They are the few people in your life who want to know more about you and your business and who always want to connect you with people they know can help you. Ask lots of questions and listen to every word you say. Don't forward every conversation you have to them. You really care about what you do and who you serve. Dave, my friend and business partner in crime, is now my CFO and CEO. That's excellent. He is the best listener in the world. He listens and repeats the situation as he understands it, forming two or the three rational alternatives instead of one. The best thing about Dave is that he is the real deal. He's always looking for ways to help in any situation you may be in, even if you didn't ask for it.
Someone who trusts and follows you.
These aren't people following you on Facebook or Twitter, they're literally following you. They will listen to you, challenge you, but generally be your cheerleaders. They did a great job communicating your vision for the company, so they have your back and want to work with you again when you leave.
Josh believed in the idea of Vertical Response, a company I founded. Fourteen years after I left, he believed enough in his Dash hero vision (our new company) and team to leave VR to join as a co-founder. He loves what he does, is passionate about the customers we serve, and inspires me every day. One day I will follow Josh!
The bottom line is that you will never succeed alone. So, being surrounded by great people in your life will get you there faster!
What kind of people do you surround yourself with in order to be successful?
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