The importance of support - finding the right support system for your success!
Finding the right support system - in life and in business - is so important.
Morning meeting to support one another with education, ideas and friendship!
Most of us start off with family support - I am grateful to be among that group. I have a wonderful relationship with my family, especially my sisters - who are both amazing, helpful, kind and love me without reservation! My husband's family is equally supportive and while we live far apart - we see each other a few times a year and stay in constant contact with each other.
In business, we need to find a support network—and that isn't a one-size-fits-all challenge. This applies to those working in a corporate role, seeking out mentors, advocates, and support from colleagues, teammates, and peers. Finding support in a corporate setting is easier, but that doesn't mean it's easy! At least you have a group of people around you to help teach, guide, and offer ideas.
When we launch our own business, it's critical that we find a good support network to help us succeed. Without some of these people and groups - entrepreneurship can feel lonely and isolating. Here are 4 support functions I found to help me as I launched Hardin Heights Comms, LLC.
A consultancy coach - I found a coach who was familiar with the kind of work I was doing (service-based) and who had a successful business herself. I wanted to work with a woman, but there are many qualified coaches out there! Lucy helped me set up my outreach plan, focus my marketing messaging to the right audience. She got me out of my head, and stopped me from over complicating my solutions and gave me great advice as I got started.
A reliable accountant/tax person - I am a words girl - not a numbers guru! I needed someone to help me keep my books and ensure I was setting enough aside for taxes. I wanted a person (or in my case, a team) who could advise me on my business books, help keep things like tax deductions and write-offs or investments on track. I muddled through a few months before I found my team. Once my accounting team jumped in, I realized how much better it is to hand off the stuff I loathe to manage!
In-person networking group(s) - I am social and I need interactions with real people in real life. Consulting can be lonely if you draw energy from others & I knew early I'd need some people IRL to connect and collaborate. I found several groups - and visited a few others on my quest to find "my people" - through trial and error. I kept at it until I landed in a place where I "clicked." My groups include: COSE - Council of Smaller Enterprises - a local group that offers networking, resources, education, workshops, support, guidance and so much more; NCBI - North Coast Business Initiative - a group of small business owners who offer networking, support, resources and even a co-working space for occasional use. I've connected with some great people & found wonderful support in these groups.
Industry groups & peer collaboration groups - I found my industry team online. I belong to CommsConsultants.com - a group of fully-vetted, experienced communicators who are available for contract work, collaboration, and full-time or fractional opportunities. You may be thinking this is my competition - and you are sort of right. But here's the thing - what I do is not PR. It's nice to have a bunch of outstanding PR experts available if one of my clients needs help that I can't provide!
Attending a COSE Superwomen event showcasing all the great things women are doing in the small business world. Showing up for one another!
You may need to search a bit to find the right fit. I attended more than a few group meetings before finding the ones that worked for me. I have also seen a lot of overlap in the groups I love, but it makes it easier to attend when you know some people will be there with you!
Keep looking till you find the support you can really use! It'll be invaluable when you land in the right spot.
