Hey ,
I know this might sound strange, but hear me out:
We all use people.
And honestly, that’s not the problem.
In fact, I believe that’s part of how life and business are supposed to work.
We grow through exchange. We build through collaboration. We move forward through value.
Your clients use your expertise.
You use their platform or project to gain credibility.
Your boss uses your skills.
You use your employer or customers to make money.
Your mentor uses your hunger.
You use their wisdom.
None of this is bad.
The issue isn’t using people.
It’s misusing people.
It’s taking without giving.
It’s draining someone without honour.
It’s building success on someone else’s burnout.
I’ve worked in marketing across three continents. I’ve built with brands. I’ve partnered with people within and outside the continent.
And I’ve seen how much better things run when the exchange is clear and mutual.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
✅ It’s okay to use people if you respect them.
✅ It’s okay to be used if it’s not draining or dishonest.
✅ You don’t have to do everything alone to be “pure” or “strong.”
Relationships (and businesses) thrive on mutual use with mutual value.
The goal isn’t to avoid being used. It’s to avoid being used wrongly.
That’s the real conversation.
Let me know your thoughts.
Dara
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