Your Network is Your Net Worth: Rethinking Quality in Relationships

Silent Reading Time: 3 minutes 0 seconds.

If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’re busy trying to build an online business. This is going to sound a little harsh but bear with me.

Let’s talk about a quality control of the people who have access to you.

Yes, you read that right. And no, I’m not kidding.

‘Quality’ is a buzzword in business: products, services, even tweets. But this logic extends to your personal and business relationships too — especially when you’re building a business.

Now, I’m not advocating to discard people in your life like defective products. I'm not even suggesting you should only surround yourself with people who can serve your business pursuits.

This isn’t about using people.

It’s about curating an environment that encourages growth. One that doesn’t encourage you to make excuses or tolerate being consistently let down for your goals because of guilt, obligation, or misplaced duty.

But understand this: There’s a huge difference between people who challenge you for better and those who put you down or applaud you without question or feedback.

I fell into that trap most of my life. I thought more people in your life is good. In business, I fell for the ‘your network is your net worth’ drill then proceeded to take any and every opportunity to talk to anyone and everyone, making ‘friends’.

In the mad-dash to make friends and partly driven by not wanting to feel so fucking lonely on this solopreneurial journey, i neglected to consider the quality of these connections. Then I saw friends making the same mistake, failing to secure support from the people in their life.

Here’s a couple hits from my horror reel:

• 2 hour call with a prospect I knew wasn’t right in 2 minutes.

• Letting a random serial entrepreneur tell me I can’t build a business

• Listening to a friend say ‘it’s okay’ that her friends were tearing down her business idea because they work 9-5’s.

And more personally, my grandmother died a few weeks ago and a guide I spent weeks on flopped. It was then that I noticed the difference quality connections can make. Friends rallied around me.

So here’s a couple examples of support:

• Susan: After a close family friend died, she’s still asking if I’m okay.

• Nikita: Offered to review my guide even though he just launched his app and a new dad with a 24hr turnaround.

They kept me grounded not only in my personal life but business and an important pillar to help and encourage me to build.

Who in your life would step up to support you in your hour of need ?

This week's challenge for you is to investigate your circle:

• Do they inspire you?

• Do they challenge you?

• Do they hold you accountable?

• Are they there during setbacks as well as victories?

Quality over quantity is not just a cliché, it's a life strategy.

Now I won’t tell you to get rid of people in your life, but remember its about understanding your value, vision, and aligning your relationships to echo that.

As I sit here about to hit 'publish,' I admit, I'm feeling the jitters. This perspective isn't always popular. It can be uncomfortable, even confrontational. But if it stirs a moment of introspection, a re-evaluation of your choices, I'd say it's well worth it.

In your entrepreneurial journey, the quality of your product, service or content is crucial, but so is the quality of your relationships. Take it from someone who's been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt. Quality control isn't just for your business. It's for your life.To your success,

NOTE: This is not a task for the faint-hearted. But then again, neither is entrepreneurship. Both require you to make tough choices, face your fears, and step out of your comfort zone.

This weeks learning focus:

This week, I noticed people have no idea how to introduce me because I’m trying to focus on how best to help people. I think I landed on the what and how but I’ll tell you next week. Hint: I focus on the shit show of starting a business while you work to create your first product.

So this weeks (really months) learning: Russell Brunsons Expert Secrets process to become an expert.

The strategy:

1. Focus on what you’re interested in.

2. Interview people farther than you.

   1. Try their frameworks and adjust for self

3. Contribute: Create frameworks

Until next week!

Nichole Morris