Are You Really the Average of Your Five?

There’s a saying that floats around business books, leadership seminars, and late‑night conversations between tired entrepreneurs:

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

It sounds simple. Maybe even cliché. But if you’ve ever run a music store — or any small business — you know how quickly it becomes painfully true.

Most days, you’re surrounded by customers who need something, staff who need something, vendors who need something, and a to‑do list that never stops needing something.

But who’s pouring into you?

When Your Circle Isn’t Really a Circle

In today’s comic, Leo sits alone in his office — the kind of quiet that doesn’t feel peaceful. It feels isolating.

He looks around at the people he interacts with every day and wonders:

Not bad people. Not unkind people. Just… not the people who elevate him.

And that’s the trap so many store owners fall into. You’re surrounded by activity, but not surrounded by peers.

Finding the Right Five

Leo’s turning point comes when he stumbles across something different — a place built for people like him:

A place where curiosity is normal, ambition isn’t embarrassing, burnout is understood, and growth is expected.

A place where the “average of your five” suddenly becomes a whole lot higher.

That place, for Leo, is the Backbeat Retreat.

The Moment Everything Changes

When Leo arrives, he realizes something quietly powerful:

Surrounded by mentors, peers, and people who genuinely want to see him grow, Leo’s “average” shifts. His confidence shifts. His direction shifts.

You don’t rise by trying harder in isolation. You rise by choosing better company.

Your Five Are Out There

If Leo’s story feels familiar, that’s intentional. It’s the story of almost every store owner I’ve ever met — including the ones who eventually find their way to Backbeat.

You deserve a circle that challenges you, supports you, and reminds you why you started in the first place.

And sometimes, all it takes is stepping into a new room.

Want More Comics Like This?

Leo has his own Facebook page where new comics, sketches, and behind‑the‑scenes moments are posted regularly.