Entrepreneurship is often portrayed as glamorous, adventurous, and liberating. What is less often discussed is the loneliness that can accompany it. Building a business demands long hours, difficult decisions, and a resilience that most will never understand. Without the right support network, the entrepreneurial journey can feel isolating and overwhelming.
As Jim Rohn famously said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Similarly, it is often said that “your network is your net worth.” These principles are not just catchy phrases, they are timeless truths. The people you choose to surround yourself with will either lift you higher or pull you down. If you want to grow, you must be intentional about your environment.
Sadly, not everyone in your life will be a cheerleader for your success. Sometimes, even those closest to you, including family, may unintentionally limit your potential. Protecting your mindset and energy is critical. This doesn’t mean cutting ties with loved ones, but it does mean being conscious of the time and influence you allow into your inner circle. Your growth depends on it.
The fastest way to find those who will lift you up is through deliberate networking. Birds of a feather flock together. If you want to be a winner, you must spend time with winners. Human beings are social creatures; we naturally adapt to the norms of the groups we are part of. If you consistently surround yourself with ambitious, positive, high-achieving individuals, their mindset and habits will inevitably rub off on you. Spend enough time with entrepreneurs who are scaling businesses, innovating, and pushing limits, and you will find yourself doing the same.
But finding the right network requires effort. You cannot connect with the right people from your sofa. You must get out there. You must attend events, join groups, and step outside your comfort zone. Many people say, “I’m not good at networking.” The reality is, none of us are good at anything until we practice it. Repetition is the mother of success.
Today, there are more resources than ever to help you build your networking skills. Technology can be your ally. If you’re unsure where to start, even asking AI tools like ChatGPT for “Top 10 Networking Tips” or strategies to overcome networking anxiety can give you a head start. It can become a personal tutor for those early, awkward stages. From learning how to start conversations to understanding how to offer value to others in the room, skills can be built quickly when approached with intent.
Choose your events carefully. Go where like-minded, ambitious people gather. Industry-specific conferences, business masterminds, entrepreneurial seminars, and even local networking meetups can be fertile ground for building powerful relationships. When you find environments where growth-minded individuals thrive, make the commitment not just to attend but to truly connect. Introduce yourself, ask questions, and be genuinely curious about others. Relationships are forged not through self-promotion, but through genuine human connection.
Above all, be patient and persistent. Your support network will not be built overnight, but every conversation, every connection, and every event attended moves you closer to finding your tribe. Surrounding yourself with the right people is not a luxury in business, it is a necessity.
Entrepreneurship may start as a lonely journey, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. With the right network, you will not only feel supported, but you will find your business and your life growing in ways you never thought possible.
Make finding your people a priority. Your future self will thank you for it.
Mike Greene, Entrepreneur, Leadership Mentor, and Philanthropist
Mike Greene is a visionary entrepreneur, mentor, and philanthropist with a track record in executive leadership, business growth, and social impact. With investments in over 30 startups, including Shazam and Chargemaster, he advises more than 40 UK businesses, helping entrepreneurs navigate their journeys. His media presence, including Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire, further highlights his influence, leading him to raise £100,000 for 100 charities in 100 days and dedicate a third of his time to philanthropy and mentorship.
As Founder and CEO of Global Research Business, Mike built a multi-million-pound enterprise before its rebranding as Lumina Intelligence. His expertise spans industries such as energy, retail, consumer goods, and finance, advising global corporations like BP, Tesco, Coca-Cola, and GSK. He also played a pivotal role in the Association of Convenience Stores as its youngest Chairman, supporting 33,500 UK retailers. Beyond business, he drives urban revitalisation through property development in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire.
A passionate advocate for education and healthcare, Mike has championed initiatives like Peterborough University and Cambridgeshire Children’s Hospital. His adventurous spirit has seen him sail in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and summit Kilimanjaro and Annapurna. Recognised with an Honorary Doctorate in Education from Anglia Ruskin University and named among the most influential leaders in the grocery industry, he continues to inspire with his leadership and commitment to social good.