It’s too easy to say yes to everyone.

Being a self employed martial art instructor you start by saying yes to everyone.
Everyone that wants you teach classes
Everyone that wants a private lesson
Everyone that wants you to attend or teach at an event
Everyone that wants to feature you on a podcast or in a magazine
Everyone that wants to ‘network’ or visit you

You’re subject to their flattery.

You feel vulnerable. You feel inadequate. You’re prey to the business advisors who fill you with FOMO.

Gradually you hone your skills in all areas and have to take control of your time and finances.

You have to filter the time wasters, those that just want to meet, have a photograph taken with you, network and use your name and reputation to enhance theirs and their business, usually for free.

Social media ‘friends’ are not real friends. Why would you take advice from anyone that is not already successful in your field? Young whippersnappers that are still wet behind the ears and are all mouth and ‘influencing’?

Source people that are prepared for longevity, that build respect by turning up, putting in the effort and their money upfront. Serious people pay with time, effort, money and will help and support you. To build respect you have to do the same with them. Thats how real friendships are built.

The right people won’t be knocking your door down, the idiots will. If you wait for them to come to you, you’ll only get the wrong people.

Set your stall out, who and what you are, what your mission statement is and the extent of your experience and knowledge. Look for the right teachers to continue your learning and development, the right friends and students to join you on that journey, and kick all the time wasters, shallow people and money grabbers into touch.