What we’ll discover today:
The world of online entrepreneurship is huge, exciting, and full of opportunities. However, while the internet might seem like an endless ocean of businesses, networks, and potential connections, it’s not as big as it seems once you dive deeper. In fact, the longer you stay in the game, the smaller this community gets—especially when you focus on the important players who are legitimate, hard-working, and in it for the long haul.
Inspired by a recent sales call, I’ve been reflecting on the importance of cultivating real, meaningful connections in this space. If you’ve been around the online world long enough, you’ve probably noticed: people talk! If you’re up to shady behavior or only focused on quick wins, that reputation will spread faster than wildfire. On the flip side, showing up with kindness, authenticity, and a genuine interest in others can open doors you never thought were even possible.
So, how do you make sure you’re building those positive bridges instead of burning them? Let me break it down for you, in my signature light, no-BS style! And as always, this is just my experience! 😉
1. The Online Entrepreneur World is Smaller Than You Think
As big as the internet may seem, the entrepreneurial circle is tight-knit. After a few years, you’ll start recognizing the same names popping up again and again—people in your niche, collaborators, and even competitors. What does this mean for you?
If you’re cool to people and treat them with respect, word will get around. On the other hand, if you’re shady or act with less-than-stellar integrity, well, word spreads even faster. It’s like high school all over again, but with fewer lockers and more Zoom calls. lol… So, here’s a little nugget to live by: pretend everyone online is your grandma.
2. The “Grandma Rule” of Online Interactions
Stay with me here, because this is important. When you’re engaging online, especially in the business world, treat people as if they were your sweet ol’ granny. Sounds funny, right? But it works.
The “Grandma Rule” is simple: don’t do or say anything online that you wouldn’t want to say or do to your grandmother. If you wouldn’t hit her up with scammy, manipulative pitches, don’t do it to anyone else. You wouldn’t use confusing jargon and overwhelm her, so try speaking plainly and clearly to your potential customers, too. It’s amazing how much clearer your communication becomes when you think this way.
Side note, don’t let this online entrepreneur title get to your head. Anyone can say that they are a CEO of their company or a some fancy online entrepreneur or a digital nomad, etc., but those are just labels. It’s the substance that matters. Be of substance and use the grandma rule! lol…
3. Be Generous, Not a Taker
The online world has enough people trying to get rich quick, hustling to make a fast buck without giving much thought to the long term. These folks might see some short-term wins, but they’re burning bridges at every turn. People know who the takers are, and sooner or later, they’ll avoid them like the plague.
The truth is, entrepreneurship (online or offline) is a marathon, not a sprint. You’ve got to give more than you take. Whether it’s offering advice, creating value-driven content, or lending a helping hand to someone starting out, being generous pays off. You might not see immediate financial returns, but building goodwill creates relationships that can turn into lifelong partnerships and opportunities.
4. Adapt or Get Left Behind (Hello, Darwin’s Theory!)
I recently had a great sales call with someone who’s on the brink of doing big things. He’s had a setback or two—he even got scammed (luckily for a negligible amount). But instead of letting that bring him down, he’s pivoting, adapting, and coming back stronger than ever.
He’s using virtual assistants and automating his processes with AI for his businesses. And here’s the kicker—he’s going to help his clients do the same, adding more value to his service offerings! This is how you stay ahead: adapt and evolve.
It’s like Darwin’s theory in action—the most adaptable thrive, while those who stick to outdated methods fall behind. If you’re not willing to pivot, embrace new technologies, or adjust to market changes, you’ll be left wondering why everyone else is racing ahead while you’re standing still.
5. Don’t Be a Complainer, Be a Doer
Now, let’s talk about the mindset of success. Some people jump into the online space expecting quick success and overnight riches. When they don’t get it, they complain that the whole thing is a scam or that “it just doesn’t work.” Cue the dramatic sigh.
Let me tell you, the internet isn’t a magical money machine. It’s a tool, and it magnifies who you already are. If you’re adaptable, patient, and focused on creating value, the internet will reflect that back at you. If you’re just chasing the next get-rich-quick scheme, the same thing happens, but not in a good way.
Online entrepreneurs are doers. Get your head in the game and get to work! How many major successes have you heard who DIDN’T work insanely hard at their craft? Not many (if any). At least not any that didn’t have generational wealth helping them! 😉 So, be the online entrepreneur that walks the walk and doesn’t look for the ‘easy’ way…
6. Cultivate Positive Energy and High-Frequency Connections
One of the most powerful aspects of building a business online is the relationships you create. It’s essential to surround yourself with positive, high-frequency people who inspire and uplift you. Energy is contagious. If you’re spending time with those who complain, cut corners, and focus on negativity, that energy will seep into your business and life.
On the flip side, when you raise your frequency—focusing on gratitude, positivity, and generosity—you’ll attract people on the same wavelength. The internet can amplify your energy, so why not make sure it’s amplifying the good stuff?
7. When You Find Good People, Keep Them Close
When you meet genuine, good-hearted people in your online circle, treat them well. Invest time in those relationships and nurture them. This is what creates longevity in the online space. Think of it like winning the lottery—only in terms of connections. If you stumbled upon a treasure trove of fantastic collaborators, wouldn’t you want to keep them close?
People want to do business with people they like and trust. So be that person! Cultivate real, meaningful relationships instead of just transactional ones. Your network is your net worth, as they say.
8. Closing Thoughts: Lead with Value, Always
The moral of the story? In the vast, sometimes chaotic world of online business and online entrepreneurship, being genuine, leading with value, and treating everyone with kindness will get you far. Sure, there are shortcuts out there, but they come with long-term consequences. Build your business and your reputation on solid ground by being generous, authentic, and open to adapting as the world changes around you.
Radiate positivity, raise your frequency, and associate yourself with those on a similar journey. The online community is a mirror of who you are—so let’s make sure what’s being reflected back is pure gold.
To your amazing energy and success, my friend! You got this.
A Little Background…
This blog post was inspired by a Facebook post I shared earlier this week after a great sales call. It got me thinking about how we interact online and the importance of building lasting, meaningful relationships rather than focusing on short-term wins. I wanted to expand on those thoughts here and share some of the insights I’ve gathered over the years.
Online entrepreneurship is a wild, wonderful world, and I hope this post gives you the motivation to go out there and be the best version of yourself in this space.
Now go crush it!