As a new small business owner, you may be struggling to build a network of supportive individuals.
Even with daily interactions with potential clients, customers, or employees, small business owners may find starting up to be a lonely task. The majority of the to-do list and problems fall on your shoulders, and that can leave you feeling like nobody really understands. Building a network of people who have been through it can provide both solidarity and solutions. Here are some ideas on how to create and foster a network of helpers.
How Do I Create a Network for Support?
Now that you understand the importance of building a support network, here are some tips to get started.
Join Local Small Business Groups
One of the most well-known business networking groups is a local chamber of commerce. These groups invite business owners to join and provide support, networking, and even advertising opportunities for their members. Chambers will have elected leadership who may even try to influence local lawmakers via lobbying. You can find your local accredited chamber in this directory hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Your city or state may have other organizations that bring business owners together. In Raleigh, North Carolina, for example, there are groups that support veteran, artist, and Latino small business owners. Coming together with similar business owners can help you build a network that helps everyone thrive.
Find a Mentor
An acquaintance in your same field can be a valuable resource. Someone who has walked the path you’re starting can help you avoid mistakes and pitfalls along the way. In seeking out mentorship, it’s important to graciously accept the help someone is willing to offer without crossing the line into asking for free labor.
For small business owners who don’t have a possible mentor, the SCORE Foundation, primarily sponsored by the Small Business Administration, connects owners with free mentorship opportunities in your region. Mentors help you set goals for your business and work with you long-term to foster success.
Volunteer in Your Community
Participating in volunteer opportunities is one of the best ways to get to know the members of your community. Organizations like Volunteer Match aggregate nearby volunteer efforts. Involving employees and family members in service days can help you bond as a group and connect you to other like-minded people. It may identify causes your company can support with ongoing donations, and show customers and clients your company’s core values.
Cultivate Online Relationships
Browsing online sites like private Facebook groups, Reddit, or LinkedIn can lead you to people miles away who share your goals, aspirations, and challenges. Members of these groups are often generous with their time and empathy for respectful members of the community, offering counsel, helpful resources, and solidarity. Finding and participating in a well-moderated online group can be a lifeline for a new business owner.
Reach Out to Supportive Friends and Family
Even if you’re trying to create work/life balance and separate your work from your family and friend time, there may be moments where the support from people who know you best will be vital. Faith leaders, old friends, and trusted family members can give invaluable encouragement and advice when you feel stuck. They can also provide distraction and comfort if the stressors of building the business weigh heavy. Oftentimes conversations with trusted loved ones can help open new ways of thinking about a problem. Take the time to maintain a connection with your most important friends and family while building a business to build a network that benefits you.
How Do I Maintain Strong Relationships in a Network?
Your first steps starting a business may feel wobbly and uncertain, but once you find your footing, it’s important to give back. Initially finding support sources is only part of developing your network. It’s important to maintain your involvement and offer others the support you’ve been shown. Running a small business requires being nimble and prepared for change and adaptation. You’ll likely need your support network at various phases of starting and growing your business. Maintaining those connections means they’ll be available when you need them.
Here are some ideas to nurture and strengthen a support network over time:
- Listen with empathy. Remember that you were once a new business owner with a dream. Always offer others the benefit of your empathy and encouragement.
- Don’t offer advice unless asked. It’s important to determine if someone just needs someone to listen or if they’re looking for advice. You don’t have to guess: it’s easy to say, “I’m happy to be a listening ear or I can give you counsel. Let me know what you need.” Unsolicited advice can come off as arrogant or judgmental and affect relationships.
- Give back. Once your business is up and running, offer help to others. Run for office in the chamber of commerce. Become a mentor. Meet new business owners for a supportive lunch. Giving back not only maintains connections with your support network, it strengthens your reputation in the community.
Starting a business can be an incredibly demanding venture. Understanding how to build a network for support provides emotional support, advice, and valuable connections that can help your new business thrive.
Check out additional posts in our how-to series for small business owners:
