Wholesaler · Washington, D.C · Member since 2011 · 449 posts · 94 votes
13y
I partly agree with the article, @James Swan It is a good thing to surround yourself with smarter people because obviously, you'll learn more from them and ultimately become like them. But I don't think there's anything wrong with you being the smartest person in the room either. It will be a good opportunity for you to display, practice, learn and enhance leadership and management skills. It's also a good opportunity to help others become better by passing on and sharing what you know.
Even if you're with people less experienced and knowledgeable than you are, there are still life lessons that can be learned and inspiration to be drawn. I think my preference is to be with people who can add more value to me the same way I can bring value to them.
I have been in multiple conversations to find out that the well of knowledge for people is great in different areas. They may know nothing about real estate, but they might know a great deal about beer (and one of the businesses I own is a brewery). Treat everyone with respect, and make sure that you seek the council of both the wise and the inexperienced. The insights from both can be invaluable.
Real Estate Investor · Milford, NE · Member since 2011 · 201 posts · 140 votes
13y
I always felt thats its best to be the smartest person in the room, just make sure that no one else knows it.. Most people like to think they are, oblige them. Fly under the radar so to speak, just my opinion. Most people are intimidated by others that they feel are smarter than them, this is not conducive to negotiations, at least in my experience.