Build Around Loved Ones

A philosophy shared by Mike Brown about building business relationships around people you care about, rather than separating business and personal relationships.

Core Philosophy

• Find the people you love and do life with them
• Don't avoid working with family/friends due to fear of "messiness"
• Prioritize relationships over traditional business wisdom of keeping personal/professional separate

Implementation Examples from Shaan

• Does business with his wife
• Brought sister into one of his businesses
• Started businesses with two best friends
• Created podcast with Sam Parr because he enjoyed spending time with him

Key Benefits

• Higher upside potential when working with people you genuinely care about
• Creates natural alignment of interests and values
• Allows you to combine life and work in meaningful ways
• Makes work more enjoyable and personally fulfilling

Risk Assessment

• Yes, things can go wrong when mixing business and personal relationships
• But the upside potential outweighs the downside risks
• No strategy is foolproof - accept that some relationships may not work out
• Focus on the opportunity to deepen relationships through shared work

Mindset Shift

• Move from "don't mix business and personal" to "actively seek ways to work with people you love"
• Look for excuses/opportunities to collaborate with people you enjoy
• View business as a vehicle for strengthening personal relationships
• Don't let fear of "messiness" prevent potentially great partnerships