Monkey Business

Let’s put you in a tricky situation: You’ve crash-landed on a deserted island, or washed ashore after a shipwreck.

Or perhaps you were on Survivor, and all the other contestants and crew bailed while you were asleep… It doesn’t matter the reason, but you’re there, by yourself.

No tools, no Wi-Fi 😱

Your only companion? A chimpanzee.

It doesn’t take long for you to realise the chimp is crushing this survival game.

While you’re fumbling with sticks to start a fire, it’s swinging through the trees, plucking coconuts, and cracking them open with ease.

You stare at your “accomplishment”—a lopsided pile of wet twigs—as you try to remember what you saw on TV once to make a fire.

Meanwhile the chimp is living life on Easy street, and it’s obvious who the survival expert between you is.

It’s stronger, faster, more resilient. It can climb, adapt, and eat things that’d make you sick.

You’re completely out of your element.

Now, let’s change it up a bit. It’s not just you and one chimp. It’s 1,000 humans versus 1,000 chimps. Who will prevail?

The humans. Every time.

Why? Not strength. Not speed. It’s our ability to work together.

Humans form tribes. We communicate, cooperate, and create plans. Chimps? They’re social creatures too, but we’re far more advanced.

And that’s my point. You win when you play to your strengths.

You win when you play to your strengths.

We thrive when we’re surrounded by the right people.

Who’s in Your Tribe?

Are you trying to be the hero?

If you’re trying to do everything by yourself in your business, then you’re not being a hero. You’re that lone survivor on the island. Fumbling with twigs while the world moves ahead.

About 10 years ago I was witnessing the success of a friend of mine who was in software. Marvelling at how he seemed to just know what to do.

His business was going from strength to strength, and I couldn’t help but notice mine wasn’t.

So I asked him: “What’s your secret? What do you know that I don’t?” His answer: “Not what, who. Learn more about our business coaching programs.”

It turned out that he was working with a business coach. Something I had never even considered. So I asked him to connect us. And he did.

That’s how I met Andrew, my first business coach.

He introduced me to new ideas, perspectives, and we discussed things I hadn’t even considered.

That was a turning point for me, and he became part of my inner circle. And that’s why I trusted him to help me create our Black Diamond System.

Today I intentionally surround myself with different groups of people, for different reasons. Because community is the rocket fuel for individual potential.

**Your success depends on who you surround yourself with. **

You’re a Reflection of Your Circle

There’s a reason people say “you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

Look around. Who do you see?

If your circle is full of people who settle, you’ll settle. If they’re ambitious and growing, you’ll rise to meet them.

If they’re fit and active, you’ll be motivated to be that too. If they eat Maccas everyday and pound Pepsi like it’s water, guess where you’ll be lining up for lunch…

So who is in your circle? And are they good for you?

Your tribe doesn’t just support you – they elevate you. And if you pick the wrong ones, they drag you down.

Sometimes, getting to where you want to go requires letting go. I’ve had to say goodbye to people who didn’t align with where I was headed. And sometimes it’s not easy, but growth rarely is.

What Happens in the Right Tribe

Late last year I was at the Intercontinental in Sydney, catching up with our Elite members. We had a couple of amazing guest speakers talking about leading under pressure, had some great conversations, and plenty of laughs.

Before lunch I asked Bianca, one of our members, what she found most valuable out of the program, as she had grown her business.

I’ll give you a hint: It was the community.

Here’s what she said:

*“Before BGB I felt alone. If there was a problem, I couldn’t reach out to anyone. The most amazing thing for me is our peer group… [Some] have done things you haven’t done before, so you look up to them and can exchange ideas. * Speaking to people who actually get you makes a big difference.”

You can see our chat here if you like, it’s about 5 minutes.

Our members don’t just talk about growth—they achieve it.

They share what’s working right now. Tactics that generate leads, close sales, and streamline operations.

They solve problems together. Got an issue? Someone in the group has faced it before and found a solution.

They open doors. Extra work, referrals, or introductions? It happens every day because this tribe looks out for each other.

Being part of a community like this isn’t just about learning. It’s about speeding up your growth while helping others do the same.

Do You Feel Stranded?

If you’re still trying to figure it all out alone, you’re making it harder than it needs to be. You’ll be beaten by the chimp.

Are you surrounded by people who empower your mojo, or drain you?

Find a tribe that challenges you, supports you, and pushes you to be better.

People who’ve already been where you are, and are heading where you want to go.

Be intentional about your circle. And remember, it’s not just about what you get, it’s also what you give back.

If you want to sit at a table with smart, driven business owners who’ll challenge and support you, I’d love to talk.

Let’s see if BGB is the right tribe for you.

Click here and we’ll find a time that works.

Stephen ‘Monkey Man’ O’Sullivan

Ready to get started? Book a free coaching call to discuss how business coaching can help your Sydney business grow.