Who is your Target Market?

I’m talking about your Target Market in life. We all surround ourselves with certain types of people. Maybe these people do the same type of work we do, enjoy the same hobbies, have the same values, or earn the same level of income. Many people believe you must surround yourself with successful people in order to be successful. They will categorize others into one of two categories, winners and losers, there is no in-between.

I happen to have a different take on the subject. I believe that all people have value and that others come into your life to enhance it, either by promoting your individual cause or to provide contrast to your beliefs. What if people come into your life to allow you to "be" who you say you are. For example: you say you are a person who is respectful of others beliefs. Then someone with contrasting beliefs would have to come into your life and try to get under your skin. Really, you cannot practice being an accepting person if you surround yourself with those who will only agree with you. A thing cannot exist without its opposite; there can be no tall if everyone is the same height. If everyone weighed 150lbs, light and heavy could not exist.

So maybe we should think about the value we place on others, and realize we all have value even if it doesn’t seem apparent. Take for instance going to a sporting event, a professional football game if you will. To me, the most important person at the stadium is the Janitor. I am always thankful to the person who decided to show up and take pride in their job resulting in clean restrooms. I believe the janitor did more to enhance my visit to the stadium than the professional football player getting paid millions to play a game. Don’t get me wrong, I love football, but a dirty restroom can ruin my experience more than a missed pass.

So where does your value lie? We all have something or things we are good at. We all have a gift or talent. Do you use your gift to place yourself above others, or do you share your gift, becoming the teacher to cultivate and help others rise up, even if someday, they rise above you? My personal Target Market is those who will enrich my life and those who will allow me the honor of enriching theirs. I am grateful to be surrounded by both.