Photo credit: prosinthecity.com

So you know what they say about hanging out with Pookie n nem? Whether you’ve grown up in what is socially considered to be the “hood” or have any connection to it, you’ve heard the proverbial urban sayings about hanging out with Pookie n nem…And even if you haven’t, truth is, we all have our own ghettos (some fancier than others), and we all have our own Pookies, Ray Rays, n nem (some standing at more obvious corners than others, at which point it’s more a matter of geography than social status)…

“If you hang out with Pookie n nem, you’ll end up just like them!” Or you know “you are the company you keep”! And as much as I’ve had my share of Pookies growing up (some of them the object of my fondest memories), I’ve had to realize as I matured that growing pains also involve the pain of moving on to build a network I could grow with…

As we evolve through life and strive for success, whether it be entrepreneurial or corporate, we also evolve as people. Our dreams get shaped, our pursuits change, and somewhere along our path, we crave the network that understands us and speaks our language. And as naturally as we formed chance friendships growing up, we start seeking kindred spirits and like minds.

My father always says, “your network is your net worth”! And as a savvy businessman, he should know. As your mindset and career evolve, and you seek to grow and prosper, are you paying attention to your network? Is your net worth stalling because your network is no longer stimulating you? Is it time to let go of Pookie n nem, at least a bit so you can start building the network that will increase your net worth?

As for me, I will always cherish my Pookie n nem, and we still talk on occasions. But life is big, and I set out to keep reaching, so I’ve got to keep striving….and if they ever make up their minds to come for the ride, I’ll be right there…

The Corporate Sis.