As a small business owner, every decision you make carries weight. From hiring employees and managing finances to building client relationships, your choices shape the growth and sustainability of your business. But here’s a question you may not stop to ask yourself often enough: Who is influencing your decision-making, contributors or contaminants?
Not everyone in your circle has your best interest at heart. Some people bring clarity, encouragement, and expertise that strengthen your vision. Others, knowingly or unknowingly, cloud your judgment, drain your energy, and push you off course. Learning to identify these influences can make the difference between steady growth and unnecessary struggle.
The Difference Between Contributors and Contaminators
- Contributors
Contributors are people who bring value to your business and life. They may offer sound advice, ask thought-provoking questions, share resources, or simply encourage you when times get tough. Contributors challenge you to grow without tearing you down. - Contaminators
Contaminators, on the other hand, inject negativity, doubt, or confusion into your decision-making process. They may disguise themselves as being “realistic” or “helpful,” but often they are projecting their own fears, biases, or lack of vision. Spending too much time listening to contaminators can slow your momentum or cause you to miss opportunities altogether.
How to Identify Contributors in Your Circle
Ask yourself:
- Who consistently gives advice that aligns with my goals and values?
- Who has demonstrated success or credibility in areas relevant to my business?
- Who energizes me after conversations, leaving me more motivated and clear?
Action Step:
Write down the names of three people who consistently support and strengthen your decision-making. Reach out to them this week with a specific question or challenge.
How to Recognize Contaminators
Contaminators are not always easy to spot. They may be long-time friends, family members, or even colleagues. The key signs include:
- They frequently discourage new ideas without offering solutions.
- They focus on what could go wrong more than what could go right.
- Conversations with them leave you feeling drained, anxious, or second-guessing yourself.
- They project their own limitations onto you (e.g., “I could never do that, so you probably shouldn’t either”).
Action Step:
Keep a journal of how you feel after key conversations. If someone consistently leaves you less confident or more confused, take note — they may be contaminating your decision-making.
Protecting Your Decision-Making Environment
It’s not realistic to cut every contaminator out of your life, especially if they are close family or part of your team. However, you can control how much influence they have over your choices.
Here’s how:
- Limit exposure. You don’t have to share every business challenge with everyone. Save your strategic conversations for trusted contributors.
- Create boundaries. If someone constantly criticizes your vision, redirect the conversation or politely disengage.
- Balance your input. For every contaminating opinion you receive, intentionally seek advice from a trusted contributor to balance your perspective.
Action Step:
Choose two situations this month where you will intentionally limit contaminating input and replace it with contributor feedback.
Building a Strong Contributor Network
No business owner thrives alone. You need a network of contributors who will stretch your thinking, hold you accountable, and encourage you through setbacks. Consider expanding your contributor circle by:
- Joining a professional peer group or mastermind.
- Building relationships with mentors in your industry.
- Investing in coaching or advisory services.
- Networking with other entrepreneurs who share your values and ambition.
Action Step:
Schedule one coffee meeting or networking event this month with someone who could become a contributor in your business journey.
In Conclusion
Every decision you make as a small business owner shapes the future of your company. When your circle is filled with contributors, you make decisions from a place of confidence, clarity, and strength. When contaminators dominate your thinking, you risk making choices rooted in fear or self-doubt.
Take stock of your influences today. Build up your circle of contributors, set healthy boundaries with contaminators, and commit to surrounding yourself with voices that help you grow. Because the truth is simple: your business will rise or fall depending on who you allow to influence your decision-making.