Lesson 12 of 12: Start Building Your Network Bigger and Earlier

This is part 12 of a series of 12 lessons I've learned about life and entrepreneurship over the past few years of building a successful online business. I hope you click here and start from the very beginning.

Want to listen? There's an audio version below

12 Lessons I've Learned from My Journey

12: Start Building Your Network Bigger and Earlier

In order to start your business, you need to know more people. Or, more precisely, more people need to know you. And the same principle holds true for building and growing your business.

If you sold a product to 100% of the people you know, which isn't possible, you'd never be able to sell anything to anyone else again. But, the more people who know about you and what you're offering, the larger the number of people who can make a purchase.

To grow your network, start making friends now. Here is a list of three types of friends you need to make today, and here's a list of seven types of people you should avoid at all costs.

Your net worth is tied to your network. More doesn't always mean better, and quality doesn't always trump quantity, but if you want to make a million bucks, you've got to help a million people. The more people who know you, the more people who can buy from you, and the more money you can make.

I wish I'd spread my message of entrepreneurship further and faster in the beginning instead of hiding it. Be bold in what you believe. And, start developing and nurturing your relationships before you think you'll need them.