“Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground.” Wilferd Peterson, The Art of Living

We’ve all heard the saying, “Choose your friends wisely,” but what exactly does that mean and why does it matter so much? It’s crucial, in part, because the people you surround yourself with will impact the way you think, feel, and act, not only in your personal life but your professional life as well.

Plus, let’s not assume that the people you hold close personally are the same people you rely on in a business relationship.

In business, it’s essential to have a support system of people you trust who will help you get through tough times, people who aren’t afraid to tell you the truth (even if you don’t want to hear it) but will also celebrate you and your successes. So, who are these people, and where can you find them?

There are plenty of places to look – conferences and workshops, spaces like coffee shops and public workspaces where other business-minded folks work from, and even social media. Chances are, you already follow people who you admire online anyway. If they are accessible, why not send them a message? And if they are local, ask them if they would like to meet for a cup of coffee. The worst they can say is no.

Let’s look at the five kinds of people you should surround yourself with to help empower you and your business.

1. The Inspired

Inspiration comes in many forms – books, quotes, movies, music, business conferences, podcasts; you name it. But how many people do you know who have led fascinating lives, overcome obstacles, and make you want to live a better life? If you don’t have anyone in your life that challenges you to be a better version of yourself, then it’s time to start looking. A great place to begin is by watching TED Talks, which are presentations by people who have inspiring stories to share. Having at least one person who inspires you to be your better self is a great first step in growing your business.

2. The Motivated

Motivation can be hard to muster. But when you surround yourself with people who seem to ooze success, who spend their time wisely working on their business, who always seems to be productive in ways you aren’t, it can rub off on you in subtle and surprising ways. Associating with motivated folks can cause you to look at your work habits and question why you’re not getting more done for your business. You’ll find that motivated people are great at making realistic goals and meeting them on a continuous basis.

3. The Open-Minded

Seek out professionals who are willing to look at all possible solutions before making a final decision. If you need to troubleshoot problems, this is the person you want by your side. It may lead to some pretty creative thinking that could present answers you might never have thought of otherwise. The more open-minded folks you surround yourself with, the more you’ll learn about the importance of adaptability.