The people you associate with help determine your future. They matter when people think of you. We all know people who have a business partner or spouse most people don’t like or merely tolerate. If that is you are you self-aware enough to know, to admit it to yourself? If so, what keeps you with that person that regularly turns off others? And, yes, I understand emotional, mental or financial pain may be the reason.

That is why the choice on the front end is so important. Choosing who to work with or start a business with is as important as picking a spouse or partner, and vice-versa. Don’t be blinded by flash; substance matters in the long run. These types of choices are the biggest in life because they affect so much in your world. That is why choosing who is in your orbit should matter so much to you. If it doesn’t, it will show to others, color how they think of you and likely negatively affect your opportunities.

And I know people can change, but, think about it, changing into the person others do not want to be around doesn’t happen overnight. You are much better off choosing wisely at the beginning. If you do, the greater chance you have to avoid a painful split in the future, let alone the effect that person can have on your reputation. And business divorce is as painful and messy as a divorce from a spouse.

So keep good company and choose those who will matter and figure prominently in your professional and personal life carefully.