Your network is your net worth. I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times, but some people in your network are actually making you poorer.
At school they are teaching you that networking is just about collecting contacts and attending events. Well, it’s about the five people you spend the most time with, because they’re literally programming your approach to business and life.
Show me your closest circle, and I’ll show you your ceiling. If they think $100K is “a lot of money,” you’ll cap yourself there. If they’re scared of taking risks, you’ll play it safe. If they don’t understand your vision, you’ll start doubting it yourself.
I had to make brutal decisions. People who spent our conversations talking about everyone else’s failures instead of opportunities had to go. Or a toxic side of my family whose favourite activity is gossiping behind other people’s backs and bragging who has a better car or more money. I am a black sheep to them, but I don’t care.
It sounds harsh, and some people come into our lives for a reason, but that doesn’t mean they need to stay forever. When the relationship becomes one-sided, when they’re draining your energy instead of adding to it, it’s time to say goodbye.
This doesn’t mean you become ruthless or transactional. It means you become intentional about who gets access to your headspace.
Your network isn’t just about who can help you – it’s about who inspires you to help yourself. Who challenges your thinking? Who celebrates your wins without making it about them? Who gives you energy instead of draining it?
Start auditing your inner circle. Are they lifting you up or holding you back? Are they solving problems or just complaining about them?
Your net worth isn’t just financial – it’s mental, emotional, and creative. And sometimes protecting it means making tough choices about who gets to influence your daily thoughts.
Choose your circle like you choose your investments – carefully, strategically, and with your future self in mind.
I always try to look up and intentionally connect with people and leaders who are intimidating me a bit, who are at least three steps ahead of me. If they’ve done it, so can I.
