People don't become rich. Communities do.

People don't become rich. Communities do. 

Some of you might know that I have been trying to understand the business and wealth practices of Indian communities. Then one day, someone forwarded a video where a person speaks about the wealth and business practices of the Jews. 

And that is what got me thinking. In all the Indian business communities, while there is diversity of belief system, one common thread runs - the community works actively to uplift those who are just starting out. This is one of the 2-3 parallel threads that run across all financially aware communities of India. 

The video on Jewish practices said the same thing. 

And that is when I realised - Most rich people stand on the foundation of other people who helped them in early days - a loan, an introduction, an order, even something as simple as a place to stay, which used to be the norm amongst Marwadis traveling for work to other areas.

People rarely become rich. Communities do. That is why, even self-made people immediately seek the friendship of other fabulously rich people. Success is a team sport. We need the network to help us. 

If you are looking to get successful, seek a community that will help you. It could be your family, your college alumni, or even the local networking chapter of some business association that you are a part of. This is why organisations like BNI are successful. 

If you ARE successful, invest time in BEING such a pillar of support to someone who needs it now. 

The sense of community is vital to all aspects of our well-being - spiritual pursuit, though an individual affair, is helped immensely by being a part of a likeminded group. Everything from parenting to professional excellence needs a sense of community. 

The trick, I think, is in finding that sweet spot between community support and its Whack-a-mole impact on innovation. 

More on that later.