Why Growth-Minded Entrepreneurs Must Choose Their Circle Wisely

June 3, 2025

Entrepreneurship is not a solo sport. It might start with a spark of your own ambition, but it’s sustained, and accelerated, by the people you surround yourself with. As the saying goes, it takes someone strong to make someone strong. For entrepreneurs, this means intentionally building a circle of individuals who challenge, support, and stretch you.

In the early stages of building something from nothing, it’s easy to fall into the trap of doing everything alone. But grit without guidance can lead to burnout. Strength isn’t just about pushing through obstacles, it’s about knowing when to ask for help, when to seek perspective, and when to let someone else’s experience sharpen your own.

Surround yourself with people who have been where you’re going. Mentors who don’t sugarcoat the process but share lessons from their wins and losses. Advisors who call out blind spots. Peers who are just as hungry to grow and aren’t threatened by your ambition.

More importantly, spend time with people who will build with you, not just cheer for you. There’s a difference between fans and fellow builders. Fans might hype you up, but fellow builders will ask the tough questions, offer real feedback, and sit in the trenches when things get messy. Those are the people who help you evolve, professionally and personally.

That said, your strength matters too. You’ve got to show up in those relationships with honesty, humility, and a willingness to evolve. Iron sharpens iron, but only if both sides are ready for the friction that comes with real growth.

Entrepreneurs who thrive long-term are rarely the ones who had the best idea or biggest budget. They’re the ones who kept showing up and kept learning, from mentors, collaborators, team members, even competitors. They made it because they didn’t try to carry the weight alone.

So, ask yourself: who’s in your circle? Are they helping you grow, or just keeping you comfortable? Are they strong enough to challenge you? And are you strong enough to do the same for someone else?

It takes someone strong to make someone strong. Don’t forget, you’re building a business, yes. But you’re also building a life. Make sure you’re doing both with people who make you better.

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