Finding YOUR People to Support YOUR Vision

When we first start a business, we are eager to get customers. Sometimes, that means we take on customers who we later realize are not our ideal clients. As we and our business grow, we become more discerning in accepting clients. We realize that the quality of business has more value to us than the quantity. Although turning away undesirable clients may impact our bottom line, that loss is more than compensated by our ability to better enjoy what we do.

There could be several reasons why we want to avoid certain people. Most of us tend to avoid pushy and aggressive people, but it goes beyond that. It could be the client who takes up your valuable time talking for hours. Or it could be those who have characteristics, views, or values that are very different than yours.

It’s like when we were kids in school, we went through phases in choosing our friends. I remember my mom getting concerned if I was trying to fit in with the wrong crowd. But as we mature, we develop a persona of who “our people” really are. We tend to be attracted to those people who have the same vision and goals that we do.

At times, we might try to expand our desirable group of friends with those who are very different than we are. This only leads to our ignoring their calls because we just can’t bear the thought of dealing with them. We feel better surrounded by individuals who we enjoy spending our time with; those who we don’t have to work hard to be around.

This selective behavior is also found in business. We want our people to be those who we are comfortable with, who understand and can relate to us and our vision. This is especially true after the past two years of COVID-19 isolation. It’s made us realize the importance of getting the most out of life and business and not wasting time on people who don’t support your views. Whether you’re positive and upbeat, or more serious and analytical, you get the support you need by associating with individuals with the same mindset.

You may think that it’s wrong to be so discriminating in selecting your customers, peers, and friends. But can you honestly say that you get much out of people (or they out of you) who irritate you or waste your time? On the contrary, you become resentful and aggravated, which does nothing to help you or the other people. These relationships are more toxic than beneficial.

Customers, peers, and friends should be what we need in our lives. It is okay to determine what that is and remove those who do not share the same mindset.  Feeling guilty over doing so is a waste of time and energy. Trying to force a relationship with someone who doesn’t support your goals and vision takes a lot of effort, and that effort is usually not worthwhile. 

You cannot force a situation or relationship because you feel badly that you are removing someone who might need you.  You might have to let that employee or associate go if they cannot be who you need them to be to support you. You need people to help you work toward your vision, not create roadblocks that impede your goals.

No one gets to choose what your vision is except you.  You do not owe anyone an explanation on why you have your vision.  It is your vision to work towards.  The people with whom you associate should support that effort and help you achieve it. Customers do not have to remain customers if you feel they don’t share your vision.

Find the people who help you be the best you can be.  Associate with the people who make you feel the most productive and comfortable.  It does not mean they have to think exactly the way you do.  It just means they must have the same vision as you and help you meet your goals. 

So how do you know if they are “your people”? You’ll want to pick up the phone when they call.