Am I Surrounding Myself With the Right People to Support My Journey?

Building the Right Network to Support Your Journey

Introduction: Your Circle Shapes Your Path to Success

As you lie awake reflecting on your day and your goals, a thought crosses your mind:

“Am I surrounded by the right people to help me grow?”

Building a business and creating a new life isn’t just about your skills or plans—it’s about the company you keep. For ambitious women at pivotal career stages, this truth holds even more significance. You’re navigating transitions, pursuing alignment with personal values, and striving for impactful legacies. The people around you act as mirrors, amplifiers, and anchors. Mirrors reflect your dreams and potential, amplifiers help you broadcast your vision to the world, and anchors can steady—or stall—you depending on their outlook.

The right network not only inspires, motivates, and guides you but also challenges you to embrace your full potential. Conversely, the wrong people can drain your energy, sow doubt, or misalign your focus. Your environment shapes your success as much as your effort does, and this guide will show you how to curate it intentionally. With actionable advice, real-world examples, and expert insights, you’ll be equipped to build a support system tailored to your journey.

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Step 1: Assess Your Current Circle

The first step to surrounding yourself with the right people is evaluating the relationships you already have. As a woman focused on balancing career transitions and personal growth, understanding the dynamics in your current circle is crucial.

Ask yourself:

• Who in my life encourages and supports my vision?
• Are there people who drain my energy or sow seeds of doubt?
• Who challenges me to think bigger and push beyond my comfort zone?

Characteristics of the Right People:

• Supportive: They lift you up, provide constructive feedback, and celebrate your wins.
• Challenging: They push you to grow and achieve more.

Characteristics of the Wrong People:

• Negative: They project their fears onto you or dismiss your dreams.
• Draining: They create unnecessary stress or negativity.

Example: "Courageous Connections"

Sarah, an aspiring entrepreneur, realized her closest friend doubted her vision. By shifting her focus to peers who shared her drive, she found both motivation and fresh ideas.

Deepening Your Practice:

• Example: Reflect on recent conversations—did they leave you energized or exhausted?
• Practice: Keep a journal of interactions for a week to identify trends in your relationships.
• Pro Tip: Prioritize people who align with your long-term goals and values.
• Metaphor: Think of your relationships as a bank account. Are you making deposits of positivity or withdrawals of stress?
• Story: Alex joined a women-led small business meetup and discovered how encouraging peers could rekindle their excitement for a stalled project.
• Quote: "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with."—Jim Rohn

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Step 2: Identify the People You Need

As you transition into entrepreneurship or pursue meaningful alignment in your career, your support system should evolve to meet your changing needs.

Three Key Types of People:

1. Mentors: People who’ve walked this path before and can offer guidance, wisdom, and perspective.

   • Example: A retired executive who provides advice on scaling a business.
   • Practice: Schedule bi-weekly check-ins with your mentor to review progress.
   • Pro Tip: Choose mentors with diverse experiences to gain a broader perspective.
   • Metaphor: Mentors are like lighthouses, guiding you safely through uncharted waters.
   • Story: Jane found a mentor who helped her navigate funding challenges, saving her months of trial and error.
   • Quote: "A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself."—Oprah Winfrey

2. Peers: Fellow entrepreneurs who understand your struggles, celebrate your wins, and provide accountability.

   • Example: A mastermind group where members exchange strategies and encouragement.
   • Practice: Attend monthly peer meetups to share experiences.
   • Pro Tip: Look for peers with complementary skills to your own.
   • Metaphor: Peers are co-pilots, ensuring you stay on course.
   • Story: Mark and his mastermind group launched a joint marketing campaign that boosted everyone’s visibility.
   • Quote: "Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."—Proverbs 27:17

3. Cheerleaders: Family or friends who may not fully understand your journey but support your vision wholeheartedly.

   • Example: A sibling who cheers you on, even if they’re unfamiliar with your industry.
   • Practice: Share your wins with them regularly to foster encouragement.
   • Pro Tip: Show appreciation for their support to keep them invested.
   • Metaphor: Cheerleaders are your wind beneath your wings, lifting you higher.
   • Story: After sharing her milestones with a childhood friend, Emily felt re-energized to tackle her next big challenge.
   • Quote: "Sometimes the people around you won’t understand your journey. They don’t need to—it’s not for them."—Unknown

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Step 3: Build and Strengthen Your Support System

If you’re not already surrounded by the people you need, it’s time to expand your circle intentionally.

How to Find the Right People:

• Join Communities: Explore LinkedIn groups, Facebook forums, or industry-specific platforms like Entrepreneurs’ Organization.

  • Example: Join a local startup forum for connections.
  • Practice: Engage in at least three online discussions weekly.
  • Pro Tip: Seek groups that match your industry for targeted networking.
  • Metaphor: Communities are like orchards—you reap the fruits you cultivate.
  • Story: Joining an industry Slack channel led Sarah to meet her first business partner.
  • Quote: "Networking is not about just connecting people. It’s about connecting people with ideas and opportunities."—Michele Jennae

• Attend Networking Events: Participate in local business meetups or virtual conferences like Startup Grind.

  • Example: Attend a quarterly professional development workshop.
  • Practice: Prepare a concise elevator pitch for networking.
  • Pro Tip: Follow up with connections within 48 hours.
  • Metaphor: Networking events are like bridges, connecting you to new opportunities.
  • Story: A chance meeting at a conference introduced John to his mentor of five years.
  • Quote: "Networking is not collecting contacts. It’s about planting relations."—Unknown

• Invest in Coaching or Masterminds: Work with a coach or join a mastermind group to connect with growth-oriented individuals.

  • Example: Enroll in a six-month coaching program.
  • Practice: Set clear objectives for what you want to achieve in the program.
  • Pro Tip: Research testimonials before committing to a group.
  • Metaphor: Masterminds are greenhouses, fostering accelerated growth.
  • Story: After joining a mastermind, Maria gained clarity on her marketing strategy and tripled her sales.
  • Quote: "Surround yourself with people who push you to do better."—Unknown

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FAQ: Common Questions About Building a Support Network

1. How do I approach a mentor?

Start by researching their background and sending a personalized message expressing your admiration and specific areas where you’d appreciate their guidance. Share why you value their expertise and how their mentorship aligns with your goals. Building rapport before asking for long-term commitment increases your chances of success.

2. What should I look for in a mastermind group?

Focus on groups with clear goals, active participation, and diverse skill sets that complement your growth areas. A strong facilitator who ensures everyone stays on track is invaluable. Look for testimonials or reviews that highlight the group’s effectiveness.

3. How can I set boundaries with negative influences?

Communicate your needs assertively, explaining how you’re prioritizing supportive relationships. Create distance gradually if direct confrontation feels difficult. Over time, focus your energy on those who align with your aspirations, allowing the negative influences to fade naturally.

4. Are online communities as effective as in-person ones?

Yes! Platforms like Reddit’s Entrepreneur Community can provide valuable insights and connections. They offer accessibility and a global perspective, but in-person connections may provide deeper, immediate rapport.

5. How do I identify people who drain my energy?

Pay attention to how you feel after interacting with someone—if you consistently feel demotivated, they may not be aligned with your journey. Reflect on whether they contribute positively or foster negativity, and act accordingly.

6. What’s the best way to maintain connections over time?

Schedule regular check-ins through calls, messages, or coffee meetups. Celebrate milestones and show genuine interest in their progress. Strong connections thrive on mutual investment and shared success.

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Imagine Your Ideal Network

Picture yourself surrounded by people who believe in your vision. They inspire you to think bigger, encourage you when doubt creeps in, and celebrate every milestone you achieve. Instead of feeling alone on your journey, you feel supported, connected, and motivated.

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Conclusion: Take the First Step Today

If you’re hesitating to expand your circle, remember this: You deserve to be surrounded by people who see your potential and support your growth. Start assessing, building, and leveraging your network today—it’s one of the most important investments you’ll make on your journey to success.