Business Coaching: Overcoming the “Poor Person’s Mentality” in Business Relationships

Business Coaching

Business Coaching: Overcoming the “Poor Person’s Mentality” in Business Relationships

At The Balanced Mindset, we often talk about the subtle yet powerful ways our mindset affects both personal and professional growth. One of the recurring themes in business and leadership is the “poor person’s mentality” — a way of thinking that can hold back even the most promising business relationships.

Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, shared a profound insight about this:
“When selling to close friends and family, no matter how much you’re selling to them, they will always feel you’re earning their money. No matter how cheap you sell to them, they still wouldn’t appreciate it.”

This quote perfectly captures a mentality many of us have experienced. It’s that moment when people focus more on how much you’re gaining from them instead of recognizing the mutual value that could be created. This thinking can block opportunities for collaboration and growth, both in personal relationships and in business.

Shift the Focus from Transactional to Transformational

One key way to overcome this mentality is to shift the questions you ask yourself. Instead of thinking, “How much of my time, resources, or money do I have to give to get something back?” start asking, “How can I give 100% of myself to what matters most?”

This isn’t about giving until you’re drained. It’s about fully committing to what aligns with your values and goals. When you approach relationships—business or otherwise—from a place of full engagement, it changes the game. You stop measuring every interaction by what you’re losing or gaining, and start looking at the bigger picture: How can we both win?

It’s a powerful shift. When you give your best, it’s amazing what opportunities start to emerge. You see collaborations where you once saw competition and possibilities that you wouldn’t have noticed before.

Openness to New Connections

Jack Ma also pointed out another truth that resonates with many entrepreneurs:
“When selling your service or product, the first people who will trust you will be strangers. Friends will shield against you; fair-weather friends will distance themselves; family will look down upon you.”

This doesn’t mean we dismiss close relationships, but it reminds us that building a successful, thriving business requires openness to new connections—those who recognize and appreciate your full potential. Often, the people who see your value most clearly are those you meet along your leadership development journey, not those who know you personally.

Openness to new relationships allows you to collaborate with people who understand your goals, your vision, and your potential for success. They aren’t caught up in what you’ve done in the past; they’re focused on what you can achieve moving forward.

Why Mindset Matters

Overcoming a “poor person’s mentality” requires a shift in thinking—from scarcity to abundance, from transaction to transformation. When you embrace a mindset transformation, you begin to see the value in every relationship, and you unlock greater opportunities for growth, both personally and professionally.

By focusing on cultivating a balanced mindset, you ensure that each interaction, each connection, becomes an opportunity to create mutual success. This mindset shift isn’t just for business—it’s a way of approaching life with intention and purpose.

Conclusion

The journey to success isn’t always supported by those closest to you, and that’s okay. The key is being open to new possibilities, new connections, and a new way of thinking. With a balanced mindset, you can approach every relationship from a place of collaboration and potential, turning each one into a stepping stone toward success.

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The Balanced Mindset

At The Balanced Mindset, we guide individuals towards comprehensive personal growth through a unified approach that addresses professional, emotional, and mental well-being. Led by an experienced Business Consultant, Emotional Intelligence Coach, and Career Coach, we equip individuals with valuable tools and resources for holistic transformation, leading to positive, lasting results. Unlock your potential and embark on your journey of transformation today.

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