As business owners, entrepreneurs and managers, we often see the world with a business twist. We look for every opportunity to grow profits and to drive numbers, but do we sometimes forget that our business growth is not solely based on our immediate profits but rather the business entourage and relationships we build for tomorrow.

I had a recent conversation with a friend who once had an opportunity to join on a venture that seemed promising but didn’t seem to have money attached to it for a while. He turned down the opportunity for the basis that he would not be paid immediately for the hours invested in the business. The idea was good and he believed in it, but he was certain that a few dollars were worth more than the idea of success. The owner of that business went on to sell that business 3 years later for $3.2 million. He distributed the funds equally among all partners; none left with less than $700,000.A sad miss for my friend who still works to make $90,000 per year, these three years would have equaled 10 years of pay if you factor in taxes.

So what is a relationship worth to you?

There comes a time in each of our lives when we are presented with a great opportunity, one that usually comes about based on a great entourage but may not seem as amazing as our day job based on the fact that there is no immediate money to be made. This opportunity could come in the form of a business, a tip, or simply an idea; but it still remains an opportunity regardless. Sometimes the belief of an idea or a concept is stronger than a paycheck to some, and they can see the idea and its future more than some immediate cash, while to others it might just look like a lot of free work. I am personally an opportunist and believe in my entourage more than I believe in money. I value the relationships and the experiences of life more so than the money and therefore it leads me to making more money.

Your vision and drive are your greatest strength and so using them wisely will become your greatest weapon. If you share a common vision with someone else that has an idea or have your own idea and concept, and can get others to see your vision…Then you have a relationship worth more than a million in itself. Make sure to create many of these great opportunities for yourself or be part of other’s vision as it is sometimes better to be part of something great than to not be part of it at all.

Related posts:

1. Relationships Are Everything
2. Top 10 Mistakes When Starting A Business
3. Where Will You Be in 5 Years?
4. Entourage Matters
5. Leaving Your Comfort Zone