Recently, I met with a business mentor to review the new business plan he is helping me with. I was particularly excited about my draft because this is a completely new business venture, and I was proud to have already outlined the foundation for the business.

When I sat down, he said, “I reviewed your plan, and I have some notes for you.” Both nervous and excited, I was ready to dive in, but before he gave his review, I said, “Although I have no clue how I am going to pull it off, I must tell you about the newest big idea that came to me after I submitted my last draft to you.” While I shared my new idea with him, he sat back, smiled, and responded with “Yes…yes; now that is what I’m talking about.” He said, “The one, overriding thing I wanted to tell you, Morgan, is the plan you submitted is a good start, BUT you were thinking and aiming too small. You can do much more; your business plan needs to reflect that.”

He used the next hour to lay out what to do to “beef up my business plan.” I needed to aim higher and speak to the audience of listeners who would be able to open necessary doors for me.

After our meeting, while I was driving home, I spent time reflecting on and being grateful for my mentor who had been up front and honest with me, and he was not going to allow me to continue to aim low.

My pastor, Bishop T. Anthony Bronner, years ago preached that any relationship we are in, no matter whether platonic or romantic, should cause us to grow, to automatically push us to the next level.

My question for you this month, Champions, is who are you surrounding yourself with? Are your relationships draining you or empowering you? It is important to surround yourselves with people who are not afraid or envious of the success you possess or the potential successes you will accomplish in the future. It is important to surround yourselves with people who are willing to support your getting to the next level!

Proverbs 27:17 proclaims: As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”