Building a strong support network is essential for anyone looking to achieve sustainable success and fulfilment. Whether you’re a business owner, an entrepreneur, someone navigating personal development (or all 3 like me!), the people you surround yourself with will directly impact your mindset, drive, and resilience. Here’s a guide to creating a network that uplifts, inspires, and challenges you.
Why Your Network Matters
There’s a saying: “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”. Research supports this idea, showing that the people we surround ourselves with heavily influence our beliefs, goals, and behaviours. That’s why it’s critical to be intentional about who you invite into your circle. Look for people who:
- Inspire and Encourage You: Seek those who believe in your potential and genuinely want to see you succeed.
- Have an Expansive, Abundant Mindset: Choose people who think big, embrace challenges, and inspire you to do the same.
- Offer Skills, Knowledge, and Experience: Identify mentors or peers who can teach you something valuable, whether it’s specific skills, business acumen, or life wisdom.
- Challenge You to Grow: Look for people who don’t just agree with you but are willing to push you to think bigger, dig deeper, and stay honest with yourself.
Understanding Each Relationship’s Role in Your Life
It’s essential to remember that, just as you can’t be everything to everyone, others can’t be everything to you. Each person in your network may serve a unique purpose, and that’s okay. A close friend might be your go-to for empathy and understanding, while a mentor might give you the unvarnished truth and keep you accountable. Recognising these roles helps you approach each relationship with clear expectations, minimising frustration and enhancing the quality of each connection.
A Note on Reciprocity – Healthy relationships are built on mutual support. As you seek people to support you, ensure that you are equally bringing value to their lives. Be a mentor, a cheerleader, or a sounding board when they need one. This balance not only strengthens individual relationships but also builds a network that’s deeply connected, reliable, and genuinely invested in each other’s success.
Steps to Build and Strengthen Your Support Network
1. Evaluate Your Existing Relationships
Start by taking a close look at the people already in your life. Assess how these relationships serve you and, just as importantly, how you contribute to them. Ask yourself:
- Does this person bring something meaningful to my life, and vice versa?
- Are there ways I can step up my involvement in this relationship to make it more fulfilling?
- Is this a relationship I want to keep?
For some relationships, you may find that you need to put in more effort. This might mean spending more quality time together, showing appreciation, or actively supporting each other’s goals. For others, it might be time for an honest conversation if the relationship feels unbalanced or no longer serves a positive purpose. And in some cases, it may be best to let go of connections that are holding you back or creating negativity.
2. Identify Gaps in Your Support Network
Next, reflect on the kinds of support you’re currently missing. Maybe you’re surrounded by friends who are at the same stage in their journey, but you lack a mentor who’s been where you aspire to go. Or perhaps you have a strong mentor but need more friends who understand the unique challenges you’re facing right now. These gaps are opportunities for growth.
3. Seek Out People to Fill These Gaps
Once you’ve identified what’s missing, take proactive steps to fill those spaces:
- If You Need a Mentor: Research potential mentors in your field, book discovery calls, and ask for recommendations from trusted connections. A good mentor should be someone who’s been through similar experiences and can provide insight, advice, and accountability.
- If You’re Seeking Business-Minded Friends: Consider joining networking groups, attending conferences, investing in group style support or going on retreats tailored for entrepreneurs. You’ll meet people who understand your world and may be at a similar stage in their journey.
(If your looking for a space to sound your issues, gain valuable, done-with-you, operational support and meet like-minded business owners, BLENDED could be the space for you, check it out here)
- If You Want Friendships Outside of Business: Consider joining a class, picking up a hobby, or joining local meet-ups for activities you enjoy. Engaging with people outside of your professional circle brings fresh perspectives and can be a valuable way to recharge.
Above all, don’t be afraid to start a conversation. Meaningful relationships often begin with a simple “hello” or a genuine compliment. Opening yourself up to new connections can help you create bonds that are supportive and long-lasting.
A Note on Reciprocity
Healthy relationships are built on mutual support. As you seek people to support you, ensure that you are equally bringing value to their lives. Be a mentor, a cheerleader, or a sounding board when they need one. This balance not only strengthens individual relationships but also builds a network that’s deeply connected, reliable, and genuinely invested in each other’s success.
Start Building Your Support Network Today.
A strong support network is not something that happens by chance; it requires thoughtful effort and a willingness to put yourself out there. By surrounding yourself with people who uplift, inspire, and challenge you, you’re setting yourself up for a more fulfilling, balanced, and successful life. Remember, each relationship in your network doesn’t need to be everything to you – different people serve different purposes, and understanding this is key to creating a truly supportive community.
Start evaluating your relationships today, identify the gaps, and take active steps to fill them. In doing so, you’ll build a support network that not only reflects the best of who you are but also encourages you to become the best version of yourself.
