As I start this community, one thing is becoming apparent to me. I have way too many connections on LinkedIn and friends on Facebook that I have no relationship with. I have always wondered why I have so little reach on social media. I believe this is one reason why. These are networks of people you know, not a list of potential prospects or just people that randomly want to connect. If my connections on these networks were more authentic, they would be much more effective as my network. We all need each other, and we need real connections and friends online that we can support and who can support us. Too many people that you have no relationship in your social network connections, dilutes your ability to use your network for a resource, and to be able to support others as well. I am making a commitment now to unfriend people who are not real connections on Facebook, and disconnect with people on LinkedIn that are outside my domain of influence or whom I am not seeking a relationship online. As a CEO, your personal network is vital to the future of your career. I learned after my first business that you can't just go out and find another CEO job. You have to develop close relationships with other business owners or company directors or boards of companies that can be a potential for you to either consult with, or possibly work as a CEO. Without these, when you leave your CEO post in your current job, you'll be unemployed for an extended period of time, and your next job will likely not be a CEO, or even in the C-Suite. You'll be left with consulting as your only option besides dumbing down your resume and pretending to be an experienced (whatever you are good at). Let me know in the comments what your thoughts are about this.

There are 4 levels to adding value to earn an income. 1. The first level and the lowest level is "Implementation". This is the level where you are selling your time to do the labor. Someone is paying you to do the technical work of the business. You earn between minimum wage up to maybe $80k/yr. 2. The second level up is "Unification". This is the level you use management skills. You are still working for someone else, but you are not the labor force, you are managing them. You are doing the management work of the business. You will likely earn between $40k and $250k per year at this level. 3. The third level up is "Communication". This is the level where you make your money communicating. You are using your voice. You should be working independently at this level as a speaker, author, actor, singer, etc. You can make between $100k to $100 mil. a year doing this. 4. The fourth level up is "Imagination". This is the level where you are using your mind and your money to generate income. An example of this was Steve Jobs. He understood the "why" behind what he was doing and expressed that with the products he created. Operating at this level is where entrepreneurs operate. They don't do the management or the technical work of the business but are the visionaries who can leverage the skills of management and the technical work. They need to understand how these areas work, and can lead those who do those first two levels. You will likely make between $1 mil. and a billion dollars working at this level effectively. Small business owners need to understand the details of the technical work, as well as the management work of a business, and how to lead these people in these roles. They do best spending their time doing the imagination work and creating from that imagination.

When I saw this, I had to share it with you. So many of us feel guilty if we come across a lot of money. It isn't the money, it is the love of money. As entrepreneurs this is so vital for us to understand. Check it out! https://youtu.be/mKBE8bNS-gw?si=YmxePkfIguyKzWqx

Congratulations on taking the first steps to build your skills as a CEO through our community platform. Our goal here is to provide you with the tools, support, and resources you need to design and live a life and career you're proud of, one with a true purpose. As someone passionate about autonomy and personal development, you're in the right place to connect with like-minded individuals who share your values and aspirations. Whether you seek guidance on specific challenges, financial independence, personal growth, or any other aspect of CEO mastery, our community is here to support you every step of the way. We encourage you to engage with fellow members, share your insights, ask questions, and contribute your expertise to help others on their journey. Your First Tasks: 1. Share one thing you're grateful for today in the comments below. 2. Take a moment to explore the resources available in our community. 3. Dive into the introductory module in the classroom to begin your journey towards CEO mastery. Thank you for joining us, and we look forward to supporting you as you create the life of your dreams!