STEP #3: AWARENESS
What, Awareness? You probably thought the next step was to transitions from Business Owner to Investor. It is. Remember, in the last article, we talked about limiting liabilities and how you can turn them into growing assets? If your goal is to build a profitable company that makes money while you sleep, awareness is the key. If you want time to invest in expanding your company, awareness is the key. If you're going to invest in other companies while you sink your toes in the sand, awareness is the key. There are several levels of awareness that are vital to growing your business. Becoming aware of the limiting liabilities that keep you from building a business that is average versus building a business that is great, is vital to your survival.
Refer again to Maslow’s chart. Do you see where freedom shows up? Note that freedom is on the level of Esteem which includes respect, self-esteem, status, recognition, and strength. Why do you think that is? It is because you have earned such status. To do so, you became aware of the liabilities that were limiting your capacity to be all that you can be. Achieving the level of Esteem is innate in all of us.
How quickly we get there depends on our willingness and ability to develop ourselves. When you reach this level investments will come naturally.
How do you begin? Here it is! Secret #1. The first step you need to take is to build your inner circle. I am not talking about a group of friends that love to hang out, play golf and watch the game together. Don’t misunderstand, you need friends to just hang out with, but there is a difference. I am talking about people that are going to help you get to the top. The ones that ask you tough questions. The ones that challenge you and want to see you succeed. They are not envious of your accomplishments. These people will help you become aware of things that are limiting you, your limiting liabilities. You will learn from them while you return the favor and they will learn from you. The next thing you know a network is formed and furthermore they do become some of your very best friends. The people you hang around with WILL determine your growth as a business owner. Here is my short list of some of the people you will want to consider.
Pastors, Bankers, Accountants, Doctors, Coaches, Consultants, Insurance Professionals , Real Estate Professionals, School Superintendents, Teachers, Contractors, Retirees, Car Dealership Owners, University Staff & Instructors, Restaurant Owners, Advertising Professionals, Chamber Executive Directors, Mayors and city council members, State and County Officials, Successful Business owners of all kinds.
Be sure you choose from different age groups as well. The best way to begin is to ask them to meet for coffee or lunch. They need to know upfront that you are not trying to sell them something. Maybe you respect their position or their success. Let them know what it is that leads you to have the meeting. You are not selling; you are asking for advice. In turn, they will eventually want to pick your brain as well. I have organized, attended and facilitated masterminds across the US to help jump-start this process. Attending or signing up for one of these events will absolutely take years off of your achieving higher levels of success.
Your goal will be to begin to grow in circles. Most people totally miss this concept. They forget about the importance of developing the first circle. YOU! If you are going to develop your outer circle you must first develop your inner circle. We will talk more about growing in circles in lesson number 4.
Stuart J. Dalrymple
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