A few days later, we had coffee together and he told us the tale of how he came to be here from Lebanon, how he started his business, and many of the key lessons he had learnt along the way. I thought back on our time together later. Marwan was a busy businessman who didn’t need to spare any time for me, yet he nevertheless made the effort. He was interested in my success and put a lot of effort and investment into me. He told me over coffee that when he was just starting out, a few people had put money into his success and he had made a commitment to them that one day, when he was successful, he would help others in the same way.

As you start on your path in life, leadership, and business, never forget to ask for assistance from others. Request to spend time with people who have achieved achievement in the past. The number of them that are approachable, available, and eager to spend time with you may surprise you. As you achieve success, never forget to be the person who gives to and invests in other people.

I remember the day a new business owner asked me to coffee to pick my brain and ask me some business advice. I saw this both as an opportunity and a responsibility to continue the chain of contribution. Remember, this is not just a business thing, this is also a life thing. In any way that your life experiences can be shared with another person to make their life better, do share! Your experience, your knowledge and your wisdom is not meant to be locked up, held tight, and horded. Share it with those who seek it. Invest in others, just as others have invested in you.

For more tools on how to grow your business and advance your leadership, click here to download my free tools.