The importance of your support crew—beyond just your staff

Running a business is often compared to a journey, and just like any road trip, having the right support crew can determine whether you reach your destination smoothly or break down along the way.

While many business owners focus solely on hiring the right employees, a truly effective support network extends beyond staff—it includes advisors, peers, financiers, and even personal supporters who provide encouragement and guidance.

Your wealth network: advisors, financiers, and opportunists

A strong business is built on knowledge, opportunity, and financial backing. The resource network consists of advisors with specialised expertise—such as accountants and lawyers—who help navigate financial and legal complexities.

These professionals ensure you are making informed decisions rather than costly mistakes.

Opportunists are those who spot trends and innovations, offering fresh insights that could give your business an edge. Financiers, on the other hand, provide funding when opportunities arise. These relationships are essential, even if they are not part of your day-to-day staff structure.

Your production network: managers and key team members

A business owner cannot do everything alone. Managers and key team members who take ownership of tasks allow the business to function effectively. These individuals may not necessarily be formal employees—you might engage contractors, consultants, or even business partners to fulfil specific roles.

For example, a business owner who struggles with financial planning might have a trusted CFO on a part-time basis or a financial advisor as a key part of their support

network. Similarly, an experienced general manager can transform an underperforming business, even if they are engaged on a project basis.

Your support network: peers and personal supporters

While financial and strategic support is critical, so is emotional and motivational backing. Business peers—successful individuals in your industry—serve as role models and sources of valuable insights. They provide guidance and help business owners avoid common pitfalls.

Beyond professional networks, family and friends also play a crucial role. They may not offer financial investment or strategic advice, but their encouragement and belief in your abilities can provide the resilience needed to push forward in difficult times.

Avoiding the wrong influences

While surrounding yourself with a strong support crew is essential, it’s equally important to identify and minimise negative influences. Distracters, doomsayers, doubters, and passengers can hold you back, whether by consuming time with unproductive activities, discouraging risk-taking, or benefiting from your success without contributing value. Recognising and filtering these individuals from your close circle ensures your support network remains constructive.

Building the right support crew

If you find gaps in your network, actively seek out the right people. This might mean joining business groups, networking at industry events, or connecting with experienced mentors. A well-rounded support crew isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for long-term success.

Conclusion

Your support crew extends far beyond your immediate team. A combination of advisors, financial backers, industry peers, and personal supporters forms the foundation of a resilient and successful business. By actively building and maintaining these

relationships, business owners can navigate challenges more effectively and drive their ventures toward sustainable growth.