Choosing Your Friends Carefully

Posted on February 4, 2014

One of the keys to prosperity I have found is to surround yourself with like-minded people. No, that does not mean that all my friends are corporate farmers or carbon copies of myself. I’m a firm believer you are only as good as your support system, and hopefully it is a great one. I like to surround myself with people who bring something to our friendship or share similar values. Does that mean ALL my friends are like-minded? No. However, the bulk of my friends and support system are people who I can learn and grow from.  The people I surround myself with often have skills, talents or knowledge I would like to emulate or that I aspire to be; or we share similar goals we want to accomplish in life.

No matter where they are or what they do, they bring something unique to my life and our friendship. One of my friends is the hardest workers I know, “the hustler” we shall call her. She is always busy doing something and even in her spare time she’s got 10,000 projects going.  She’s very good about being resourceful and organized (something I can always be better at). Plus she has a passion for real estate and farming like me.

Then there’s my marketing friend or “the show woman.” She’s a genius at marketing and promoting, plus she’s super creative and crafty (something I am not). We went to business school together so she often sees things from my perspective as an entrepreneur and gives great advice. Not to mention she’s one of the sweetest, most kind person I know (and I can always be sweeter).

Then there’s “the mogul” who decided college wasn’t for him and went out to start his own business. He has since grown it to an extremely profitable operation. We both share a passion for business and real estate and often share tips, hints and strategies. Plus we have fun sharing our passion of farming together.

The list is endless but those are a few profiles of close friends. Do we share the same background? Not always. Do we share the same passions? No. Do we support each in our own respective endeavors? Yes.

The key to a good group or support system is to have people who keep your best interest at heart, help you out when needed and support you in whatever crazy idea you dream up next. And let me state, I expect the same out of myself and try to give the same back.

For many years, I surrounded myself with a person who wasn’t supportive. This person bred negativity, resentment and loss of self-esteem. This caused several setbacks professionally and personally. From this experienced I learned the true value of friendship and how the right group of people can make your dreams a reality.

So go out, find excellent like-minded people who will help you achieve your goals!