Circle of Trust for Small Business Owners
Blog post brought to you by Weddings For Real podcast
Do you have a circle of trust? For me, my circle of trust is a proverbial board of advisors. It’s a diverse group of people in my life who each know me in a different way. These people are ones that I respect, trust, and want to hear their opinions. These people have been by my side through the ups and downs of being a small business owner, and their input throughout my professional career has been invaluable. I’m here to share more about the four types of people you need in your circle of trust as a small business owner. These people should aid in your business decisions. On the contrary, there are three voices that you should filter before listening and accepting advice. I’m sharing those few you shouldn’t have around, too.
A company’s board of advisors is a group of respected voices that have a say in the company’s growth. This group of people speaks up when they feel strongly; they care about the company’s growth; and they are invested in its success. All business owners need this type of support -- a handful of people that you respect and trust with everything you have. There is danger in having too many voices that hold weight when it comes to you making choices, facing obstacles, and seeking opportunities.
One of my favorite voices when it comes to professional growth is Brene Brown. In her book, Daring Greatly, she says one of my favorite quotes: “I carry a small sheet of paper with a list of people’s names whose opinions matter to me. In order to be on that list, you have to love me for my strengths and struggles. You have to know that I’m trying to be wholehearted but I still cuss too much, flip people off under the steering wheel, and have both Lawrence Welk and Metallica on my playlist.” As with many things in life, it’s common for everyone to have an opinion on how you should be doing every little thing. If you’re easily swayed by others or easily affected by someone else’s opinion of you, you may find yourself taking steps in life and in business that don’t reflect where you really need to be going. Read more to learn about the types of people that you should avoid letting sway you and about the four types of people you absolutely should have in your circle of trust.
Three Voices that Should Not Be in Your Circle of Trust
Life is short and nothing is guaranteed. If you have one of these three characters in your life, they are not serving you well. These people can still be fun to hang out with but they are not the best to take advice from, so I advise you to keep your distance and not be influenced negatively by them.
1. The pessimist
This person has a negative view of everything. Spending time with them is a life suck and you feel it every time. I highly advise against this person getting a say in your professional growth. Their unhappiness could have a negative effect on you.
2. The know-it-all or the one-upper.
This person has an opinion about everything whether or not they can back it up. They have all the answers, just not actually helpful or relevant ones. They turn everything into a story about themselves. Empathy and relatably is one thing, but this person is so focused on themselves that any advice they give will not be actually beneficial for you.
3. The yes person.
This is someone who completely agrees with everything you have to say when you’re thinking about making any change. You may sometimes get the feeling that they aren’t listening or don’t have ideas of their own. They would never have the guts to tell you if your idea was ridiculous. This person might be a fun person to have in your life, but they should not be in your circle of trust.
Four People to Have in Your Circle of Trust
1. The cheerleader
This person knows you on a close level, and they see the good and bad stuff going on in your life and career. Yet, they always see the good in you when you can’t see it in yourself. This person pushes you to go after your dreams and has been on the sidelines for all of your big wins and big losses. They have a positive impact on you, and they’ll always push you past your own limiting beliefs about achieving your goals.
2. The challenger
This person looks at things through a different lens and asks questions that make you think. Sometimes they’re logistical questions that make so much sense, yet you hate to hear them. The challenger questions your how and your why to ensure you’re making sound decisions. They have your best interest in mind and will help you make smart decisions.
3. Mentor/coach
This person has gone before you on the path and has made their own mistakes and learned from them. They’ll help you pop back up quicker and provide guidance about potential hazards or traffic jams along the way. They’ll help you find the best route with the least speed bumps. This person doesn’t necessarily have to be paid but should have experience above your own in the industry.
I advise you to prioritize finding a mentor or coach this year. If you’re a wedding planner looking for one, coaching is one of the major perks of my planner community, Planner’s Vault. In it, I answer questions, provide guidance, and help you avoid mistakes I’ve made.
4. Idea amplifier
This is the person in your life that brings a totally different skill set and perspective. They may have taken a different path in life or may be a part of a different industry, but they use their skill set and knowledge to amplify your original idea. They get excited about your thoughts and take your original idea to the next level. It’s a good thing to have a brain that’s wired differently than your own in your circle of trust.
Those four characters deserve to be in your circle of trust for constantly helping you grow. But there is one more person that should be there -- you. Your gut instinct and your voice must be the one you listen to the most. Your personal board of directors may be divided, so you’ll have to rely on your own intuition and gut to make sound decisions. If you find yourself in a tough situation, sit with your own thoughts and ask yourself, “Why do I want this? What are the risks and benefits? How does this align with my goals and core values?” Personally, I walked away from a huge decision in 2017. My circle of trust was for it but my intuition wasn’t. Ultimately, it was the right decision because it led me to create this podcast, the Planner’s Vault membership program, and it allowed me more time with family and friends. Always listen to your powerful inner voice and never silence it, even when others think differently.
Listen to Weddings For Real episode 120 for more information on building your Circle of Trust. Additionally, if you’re seeking a community of like-minded wedding planners and wanting to jumpstart your planning business, check out The Planner’s Vault today!
