I remember when I started Express Errands & Courier 13 years ago. Looking back, I could have never imagined making it this far. I dreamed big for my future, but God had even bigger plans. Just last year, I was honored as the 2024 Enterprising Woman of the Year. I also made history as the first African-American female elected to the board of directors for the CLDA.
As I reflect, I can’t help but be in awe of my journey. Last year alone, I was featured in seven different magazines, and even my small hometown newspaper in Jacksonville, North Carolina, recognized me during Women’s History Month. That was huge! I was also featured on multiple podcasts, sharing my story and inspiring others.
I always dreamed big, but I never imagined this level of success. People often ask me, “How did you grow your business? How did you reach your first six figures? Your first seven?” And honestly, the answer is simple: your circle determines your elevation. My life changed when I changed the people around me. I had to step away from mediocre thinking and surround myself with people who were already on the next level.
Your Circle Determines Your Ceiling
They say it’s lonely at the top, and I had plenty of lonely days climbing my way up. But as long as my life continues to inspire others to elevate, I feel accomplished. I realized that my breakthrough happened when I started investing in relationships with high-level individuals.
This isn’t just a blog about why you need a business coach, but the truth is, having a mentor on a higher level was a game-changer for me. My business coach wasn’t just one level ahead—he was ten levels ahead! He introduced me to the right people, and the more I expanded my network, the more my circle evolved.
Audit Your Circle & Make Bold Moves
I had to stop, audit my circle, and make strategic decisions. Were the people around me helping me grow or keeping me stagnant? If they were helping me, I poured into them as they poured into me. But if they were hindering me, I had to let them go. And that wasn’t easy. Sometimes, the people holding you back are close friends, significant others, or even family members. But the hard truth is, if they aren’t helping you grow, they’re keeping you stuck.
I briefly rekindled a friendship with someone from my past, and I quickly realized we had nothing in common anymore. I had grown, but they were content staying the same. Being around people who don’t aspire for more will eventually make you feel out of place—or worse, they’ll try to bring you back down. So yes, I am trying to be better. Better than I was yesterday. Better than I was last year. And you should be, too.
Energy is Contagious—Choose Wisely
I’m an energy person, and I can feel it in any room. My mother always told me, “You can’t give everybody a hug, you can’t shake everybody’s hand. Bad energy can jump off of them onto you.” And she was right. If someone is always negative, always complaining, and never growing, that energy will drain you.
I had a friend who I called every morning, but I started noticing her constant negativity. No matter what, she always had something to complain about. And I realized, her energy was affecting my productivity. So I stopped calling, and guess what? My mornings got better. My days became more productive. Protect your energy at all costs.
Success Lives Outside of the Comfort Zone
My first million-dollar year felt great, but I knew I couldn’t stop there. I had to push myself outside of my comfort zone. If I wanted to hit two million the next year, I had to make uncomfortable moves—networking with bigger players, getting in rooms where major deals were being made, and positioning myself for greater opportunities.
There is no success in the comfort zone. Staying around people who keep you comfortable will stunt your growth. Growth requires elevation, and elevation requires being around people who challenge you.
Your Network = Your Net Worth
The best opportunities in my career didn’t come from luck—they came from relationships. People buy from people, and opportunities come from connections. Every major deal I landed came from my network. Whether it was an industry association, a local chamber of commerce, or a mastermind group, the relationships I built positioned me for success.
A former business coach of mine played a huge role in this. He made sure to introduce me to key players in my industry—people who could help me grow. Those introductions changed the trajectory of my business. I can confidently say that 95% of my success came from networking and strategic relationship-building.
Next-Level Conversations Breed Next-Level Results
When I started my business, my conversations were small. But now, I find myself in rooms filled with top industry leaders, discussing business growth, acquisitions, and strategies for scaling. In fact, I recently found myself sitting at a table with over 40 of the top industry leaders. And at that moment, I had to pause and thank God because I realized—this is the table I had prayed to be at. This was the room I had worked so hard to get into.
If you want next-level results, you need next-level conversations. Being in the right circle shifts your discussions from complaints to strategy, from hesitation to execution.
It All Starts with You
To reach the next level, you have to start with yourself. That means:
- Taking care of your health
- Investing in personal and professional growth
- Prioritizing self-care and avoiding burnout
- Being intentional about who you allow in your space
The people you surround yourself with will influence your mindset, habits, and opportunities. If you’re the smartest person in your circle, it’s time to elevate. And if you’re feeling lonely, remember—it’s just temporary. Elevation often requires a season of isolation.
Final Thoughts
If you’re serious about growth, audit your circle, invest in relationships, and put yourself in rooms that challenge you. Surround yourself with people who think bigger, dream bigger, and take massive action. And if you need guidance along the way, I’m here to help.
Book a consultation with me, and let’s talk about how you can level up. Make bold moves, step outside your comfort zone, and get around people who will help you win. Your future self will thank you.
Wishing you all the success you deserve
Coach Roslyn V.
