Do You Spend Time With People Who Don't Make You Feel Great?

This morning I talked to John Ogier on 2NSB about networking and how to expand your social circle. But what about the friendships you already have that don't support you?

Discover How To Spring-Clean Your Mates!

Who we are is a reflection of the people we surround ourselves with, but as we grow older and wiser the friends we've had by our sides for years don't necessarily grow at the same rate or in the same direction as us anymore. As friends grow apart it's easy to try and hang on to how things used to be however this can often be detrimental to your own peace of mind as you hang back trying to make an old routine work.

This is a topic that always makes people feel uncomfortable but, regardless of the season, it's important to spring-clean your friends every now and again to make sure your time and attention is spend wisely.

So as we kick-on into Easter, spend a few moments reflecting on the people you spend time with. Ask yourself: -

• Do you spend time with people who don't make you feel good?
• What would a 'Spring Clean' of your friends look like?
• What difference would it make to you life?

Have you ever made a conscious decision to change your circle of friends? Post a comment - let me know what your did and how successful your strategy was.

Increase Your Bank Balance!

If you've been reading our weekly newsletter you'll know that "your network is your net worth" (and if you haven't been reading it then what are you waiting for - sign up today, it's free!

So if you've decided that your network isn't quite how you'd like it to be, here are some great networking groups you can join (mainly in Australia) to increase your social and professional circles:-

- BNI - BNI (Business Network International) is a business referral organisation whose primary purpose is to assist its members to find and exchange qualified business referrals for each other and develop word-of-mouth marketing techniques. Great if you have a business and want to increase your revenue and referrals!

- Network Central - a first class business networking group. For people who have lives..

- ABN - Australian Businesswomen's Network - a fantastic resource and networking group for women in business.

- Business Chicks - this is a professional yet funky group that brings together hundreds of women who want to expand their network, both personally and professionally.

- The Last Thursday Club - a monthly networking event for creative businesspeople — entrepreneurs, innovators, business leaders, idea-makers and thought-leaders. A great opportunity to meet new people who think outside the square!

Have fun and let us know how you get on!

Just Smile, Be Happy!

I went for my daily run this morning - the sun was out, the sky was crystal clear, in fact it was a perfect start to the day. However that didn't seem to be the case for everyone - there were no exchanges of 'Good Morning' or smiles, and most avoided eye contact.

So I made a point of saying "Hello" to everyone I passed which admittedly got me few funny looks, but I was pleased that I'd done the unexpected instead of staring at the ground and running on by. At the very least it made me smile, and I'd like to think that a few of those people around me eventually broke into a grin!

So my dare for you should you choose to empower yourself, is to smile at everyone you walk past for the rest of the week. Notice how it makes you feel, explore what it means to you to be positive, and see the reaction on other people's faces. No-one was ever killed by smiling so what's stopping you bringing a cheap 'n easy ray of light into your day, and perhaps someone else's? It's a dare, it's a challenge, it's your choice to make.