We all know people who are living the lifestyle we want and are making it look easy. Don’t you wish you knew their secrets for making success look so effortless? The truth is, a huge part of it is the people in they’ve chosen to put in their lives. Good things can’t happen in a bubble. From employees to friends to spouses—the people that you surround yourself with are vital to helping you attain the success you want in every aspect of your life.

Don’t Wait to Be Selective

When you’re first starting out with your business, you may be tempted to take on just about anyone as an employee. You probably think you don’t have the leverage that will let you be picky and set certain qualifications. But it’s your right as an entrepreneur to be picky about who you surround yourself with. You may even find that if you’re desperate for anyone who is willing to apply, you’ll actually end up attracting no one. Remember that it’s your business. You determine the vision, decide on the goals, and make things happen.

Don’t Be too Desperate

When you’re the most desperate, you’ll attract the least amount of people. You can probably see this not only in your business but also in your dating life or even your social circles. You’re the only one who can be the gatekeeper in your life. You need to carefully curate the people in your personal and professional life if you’re serious about being successful. If you don’t do this, your business will end up suffering.

Don’t Be Afraid to Say “No”

As an entrepreneur with hiring responsibilities, you can’t be afraid to be the “bad guy.” You have to be willing to tell people they don’t qualify for a job. This actually isn’t bad for the person you’re interviewing either. You’re allowing them to find a job opportunity that’s actually a good fit for their skills and personality.

Everyone in your life should add something valuable. That might be comic relief, intelligence, or intensity. But they should add something. If you find that there are a lot of people adding nothing, it’s time to make some changes.

Highlights from the Episode:

• If you become choosier, you’ll attract more people and better people. 4:44.
• As an entrepreneur, what you’re bringing to the table is opportunity. 12:15.
• Rate the people in your life based on the success or value they add to you personally or your business. Aim for high ratings that reflect high value being added to your life. 16:40.
• It is the most important responsibility in your life to choose your environment and who’s going to be in it. 18:30.
• Letting a person come in and waste their time in an interview when you know the job won’t help them shine is disrespectful to that person. 26:45.