Someone recently asked me if I would pay $12,000 to go on a retreat to meet Richard Branson and without hesitating I said I wouldn’t go if it was free. The answer apparently shocked people and led me to believe that people perhaps don’t quite understand the importance of engaging people who share similar values and beliefs more so than people who are simply significant and important. So why don’t I care to meet some of today’s top entrepreneurs?
Networking with people, just like everything else, is about the give and take. I simply would have nothing to give Richard Branson, which is enough of a reason for me to not really care to meet him. While I am by no means putting down or discrediting the insanely powerful empire he has built, it simply has no correlation to anything I am doing, not even the Secret Entourage Academy. That said, there is simply no value I can bring forward in order to create a balanced relationship, which leads me to not be ready to engage in one.
In the world of entrepreneurship, you have to realize that there are 1000s of people out there who have had success, many of which who are still hungry for more of it. Those particular innovators, thinkers, and business owners are the ones you should be meeting and are the ones you should be spending your time working with, especially if you are still in the growth stage. Worry about people who can offer continuous and strong relationships with you that turn into actions, which in turn, end up progress for the both of you.
The other point here is that just because someone had massive success does not mean that forming a relationship with them will be beneficial on any level. Keep in mind that there are plenty of amazing people but not all of them get along, and that typically means that many won’t get along with you either. That said, choosing carefully who you interact with and understanding why can help you get rid of those ‘waste of time’ meetings where everyone agrees but no one acts. Focus on people who share common views, beliefs, and vision towards business but also relationships. It is important to be selective and participate with those who share common ground, all while reading up and learning from others who do not, even if that is from a distance.
Common grounds creates mutually beneficial progress.
