We’ve all heard the saying “show me your friends and I’ll tell you where you’re headed”. Well the same rule applies in an entrepreneur’s world. Most however, think that once you are an “established” business owner it doesn’t matter who your circle of influence is. Well I beg to differ. Your circle should be a variety of people not a carbon copy of who you are and where you currently stand. Business owners make the mistake of only interacting with people who are in the same boat. But, how can you help me if I start to drown and we are sitting in the same boat of “trying to make it”? While you are trying to save me I’m going to pull you down too. This is why you need to step outside the box and enlarge your circle and incorporate some diversity in it as well.  Listed below are some ways to begin to develop your business circle of influence.

First, before you can develop your circle of influence you have to get over the fear of interacting and establishing new relationships. Don’t become intimated when speaking with people who are where you are trying to go. Instead take this opportunity to learn from them. They can in turn become a mentor. You always need to mentor in your circle of influence. Be mindful when you begin to look for a mentor. I encourage following them on social media sites for a minimum of six months prior to reaching out to them. Your mentor should be reflection of where you are trying to go. This person should be able to guide you along your business journey. Also you have several mentors to fit your needs.

Be willing to network. Some people have watered networking down to throwing their credentials out on twitter, facebook and any other social media site and screaming follow me.  This isn’t the art of networking. To network you must demonstrate to others that you have something to offer.  You do that by being your authentic self. You speak on your craft and begin to engage other people who are interested in what you have to say and vice versa. As you begin to exchange information this is when networking takes place.

Position yourself to be a lifelong student. If you want to stay on top of your craft you must be willing to learn. So you need to position yourself to learn. Attend conferences, join networks and as you begin to engage persons at these events and build relationships they maybe people who can become a part of your circle of influence.

Don’t be afraid to adjust. Just like in our personal life we have to adjust who we surround ourselves with. You can’t expect everyone to grow as fast as you do or to be headed in the same business direction. Learn from the people who cross your path but don’t be afraid to let go when its time. When you hold on to something too long it ties your hands up from receiving what you really need.

As you begin to utilize these tools in building your business circle of influence don’t just choose to interact with people who are in the same line of work as you. Go outside the box! You will be surprised what you can learn and how much you will grow!

Shivawn A. Mitchell

The Beauty Boudoir
Follow @Ladyshiv on Twitter