I've always loved to collect my people in life and business. In my personal life, I've got my HVAC guy, my handyman, my massage therapist, my nail girl, my trainer...just my people. In business, I've got my team. My go-to's that I know can get projects across the finish line every time. I've got resources for pretty much everything.

We all want to be a resource for someone. The person they think of when someone says [fill in the blank]. And when that starts happening in your business, it feels amazing. You're being seen as the expert in whatever it is you do, and that's all most of us really want.

But in the same way you want to be a resource for others, others want to be a resource for you. I'm not necessarily talking about the more established businesses that have plenty of clients. I'm suggesting you recognize the value and potential in people/small brands not so well known in your network that are often overlooked by those seeking bigger, more recognizable names. 

If you're in business, someone once did that for you. Either hired you directly or served as the bridge to the person or organization looking to hire you. Reciprocity allows you to increase your value and expand your breadth as a resource. It's not always about making money in the moment. Be discerning when providing resources to others, of course. But paying it forward, sharing good resources, and being that bridge to new connections is a win-win for everyone.