Growing up, my mother always told me, “Don’t have $100 but have a hundred friends.” I’ve carried that saying with me throughout my life, and it has shaped how I build relationships, approach business, and live day to day. This belief—that relationships are more valuable than money—became the foundation of my career and personal growth.
The Start of My Career Journey
When I started my career, I took a job as an intern at a startup tax and accounting firm. The owner of the company was incredibly smart, and I knew I needed to stay around him. I wasn’t focused on making money at the time. I believed that if I could learn from him and absorb his knowledge, the money would come eventually. And it did.
I started working full time and quickly began to bring value to the business and the community around me. I realized that sharing my knowledge with business owners—my clients—was not just fulfilling for me but also helped others grow their businesses. The relationships I built during that time were based on trust, value, and mutual support, proving that true success comes from the connections we nurture.
A Transformational Journey in My Life and Business
As my career advanced, I went through a period of deep transformation, not just in my business, but in my personal life, health, and spirituality. I became a health coach, a life coach, and even a yoga instructor. At the time, many people questioned why I was doing this, especially since I already had a successful tax and accounting firm. But I had seen firsthand how these changes had transformed my life, and I wanted to share that with the world.
I didn’t care about the costs or what people thought. I knew that this was my path, and I developed a system to integrate everything I was learning into my business. This led to the creation of my movement, “It’s All in Your Hands,™ ” which has become a guiding philosophy in my life and work. The same thing happened when I learned about Real Estate Investments—after getting great results and seeing how people needed this knowledge to achieve financial freedom, I made it my mission to share it with others.
The Power of the Right Connections
I’ve always believed that life happens for me, not to me. I’ve been blessed to attract the right people into my life at the right time, and I believe that it’s just as important to give back. When my family and I first came to the United States with only $100 to our name, we were looking for an apartment. A real estate agent we met became our mentor, guiding us in ways we could never have imagined. That experience showed me the truth behind the phrase, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
Sharing Knowledge and Giving Back
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that true happiness comes from growth and contribution. I’ve always made it a point to share what I know with others, whether it’s personal development, health, or business strategies. Whenever I find something that works for me, I pass it on to my clients and friends. This act of sharing knowledge and helping others grow has been a cornerstone of my success.
Community isn’t just about having people around you—it’s about lifting each other up and growing together. When you surround yourself with the right people, share what you know, and stay open to learning from others, you create a ripple effect that benefits everyone.
Why Building a Strong Community Matters
In today’s fast-paced, often disconnected world, building meaningful connections and communities is more important than ever. We all need people around us who believe in us, push us to grow, and support us through both successes and challenges. For me, community has been a key driver of both personal and professional success. It’s the network of people around me that has helped me navigate life’s challenges, celebrate my wins, and continue pushing forward.
5 Practical Tips for Building and Strengthening Your Community
If you’re looking to build a strong community that supports you and helps you thrive, here are five practical tips based on what I’ve learned over the years:
- Be Selective with Your Inner Circle Surround yourself with people who inspire you, push you to be better, and share your values. It’s not about having hundreds of connections—it’s about having the right ones. Choose relationships that enrich your life and help you grow.
- Lead with Generosity When you come from a place of giving, you naturally attract people who want to help you succeed. Whether it’s offering advice, sharing resources, or just being a good listener, be generous with your time and energy. The more you give, the more you’ll receive.
- Embrace Vulnerability Don’t be afraid to share your struggles along with your successes. Real connection happens when people see the real you—flaws and all. Being vulnerable opens the door to deeper, more meaningful relationships that go beyond the surface.
- Create Opportunities for Connection Whether it’s organizing a mastermind group, starting a monthly dinner with friends, or joining an online community, be proactive in creating opportunities to connect. Relationships don’t happen by accident—they’re built through intentional action.
- Share What You Know One of the most powerful ways to build trust and strengthen your community is to share your knowledge. Whether it’s a business tip, a life lesson, or advice on personal growth, when you help others, you elevate both them and yourself.
Conclusion
As we move into the holiday season, a time centered around connection and reflection, let’s remember the value of community. It’s the relationships we build, the knowledge we share, and the support we give and receive that truly make us thrive. My mother’s words still ring true: “Don’t have $100 but have a hundred friends.” It’s the community we create that ultimately defines our success and happiness.
Through my movement, “It’s All in Your Hands,™ ” I’ve learned that real growth comes when we invest in others and embrace the power of connection. When we uplift one another, we create a positive ripple effect that transforms our lives and the lives of those around us. Now is the perfect time to take action, build those connections, and create the life you deserve—because, in the end, It’s All In Your Hands!™