The Power of Community In Small Business

… why working for yourself, doesn’t have to mean being alone!

Starting your own business is an adventure, equal parts exhilarating, nerve-wracking, and, at times, completely overwhelming.

You’re the boss, the marketing team, the finance department, and the office tea-maker all rolled into one. But just because you’re building something alone doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.

Surrounding yourself with the right community might just be the secret ingredient to surviving and importantly, thriving in your entrepreneurial journey. So let’s get into it, how having a supportive community is an absolute game-changer when you’re running your own business.

Meet the Knowledge-Sharers
Those who have been where you are now

Imagine having a boardroom full of experts but without the corporate jargon and the endless PowerPoint slides!

That’s what a strong, business-led community can give you. It could be an online group, a mastermind, or a local networking meet-up, being around other business owners means you have a total goldmine of knowledge at your fingertips. And they are there to share, we all join these groups for mutual benefit and growth, however that might look.

Someone in your network has likely tackled the exact challenge you’re currently facing, be it pricing your services, dealing with difficult clients, or figuring out the latest Instagram algorithm (because, honestly, who can keep up?). A like-minded community is full of people who’ve been there, done that, and are happy to share what works (and what really doesn’t). You get to sidestep unnecessary mistakes and accelerate your learning, all thanks to those who’ve paved the way before you. So get in there and ask that question, share your dilemma . . one of your new contacts may just have some golden nuggets of advice!

Meet the CHeerleaders
Providing Encouragement When You Need It Most

Let’s be honest, running your own business can be a rollercoaster. Some days, you’re riding high, hands in the air, feeling unstoppable. Then there might be days when you’re questioning every decision you’ve ever made, including that career change in the first place.

This is where your business community buddies come in. The cheerleaders in your community are the ones who remind you why you started, they celebrate your wins (big and small), and tell you to keep going when imposter syndrome creeps in. They’re the first to pop the virtual champagne when you land a new client and the first to send a reassuring ‘You’ve got this’ when things don’t go as planned.

They can see things objectively, and point out when you might be unnecessarily catastrophising, or when you’ve lost sight of why your own natural talent got you to where you are now.

Because, in all honesty, your non-business friends might not understand why you’re doing a happy dance over finally figuring out how to automate an email sequence. Your community? They get it.

Your cheerleaders will make every success that much sweeter, because wins are always better when they’re shared. Maybe you’ve smashed a financial milestone, landed your dream client, or finally discovered the ultimate lighting solution for those online business calls, having people to celebrate with makes the journey even more rewarding.

The right community doesn’t just support you through the tough times; they cheer you on when things go right. And let’s be honest: Sometimes, you need that extra reminder to stop and celebrate your own success instead of rushing to the next goal.

Meet the Motivators
Your Key to Accountability and Growth

When you’re working for yourself, it’s easy to get stuck in your own bubble. You make the rules, you set the deadlines. But who’s making sure you meet them? Who’s enforcing your boundaries when you’ve set them?

Well my friend, ‘accountability’ is about to become your favourite word!

A business community can create magic when it comes to keeping you accountable. Goal-setting groups, regular check-ins, or perhaps a little pomodoro co-working with fellow entrepreneurs. All of these things are geared up to making it much harder to stay stuck in a state of procrastination.

When you see others showing up, launching new products, and pushing past their own challenges, it inspires you to do the same. They set the bar high and encourage you to keep levelling up. And they shout all the cheers when you do (see above!).

MEET The Connectors
Presenting Opportunities Around Every Corner

Ever heard the phrase, ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know’? Well, in business, it’s both. And a great community can help with both sides of the equation.

Being part of an active network means that when opportunities arise, be they collaborations, client referrals, or speaking gigs, you’re more likely to be at the tope of the list. People trust people, and naturally want to work with and recommend those they can rely upon. Being an active, engaged member of a business community puts you in the right position to receive those opportunities.

Plus, there’s the added bonus of finding people to collaborate with. Maybe you’re a web designer who’s looking for a brilliant copywriter to bring your client’s new brand alive (if this is you, hit me up sis’ 😉). Or a coach who wants to team up with a videographer for an online course. A brilliant community makes it easier to find your dream team without having to search endlessly.

MEET The Sanity-Savers
Because Business Can Be Lonely

It’s ok to say it, working for yourself can sometimes feel like talking to yourself. Believe me, you are not alone if you’ve ever held a full-blown business strategy meeting in your head, or an extensive argument over the viability of your next big launch.

The beauty of a business community is that you don’t have to figure everything out in isolation. Whether it’s a quick chat to vent about a frustrating tech issue or a deep-dive discussion into the best solution to a gap in the market, having people who understand the ups and downs of solo business ownership makes all the difference.

Even better, being part of a supportive group reminds you that you’re not the only one navigating this wild ride. Others have felt what you’re feeling, and they’re still here to tell the tale, so listen to them, let them in!

where are all these people?

Being part of a business community doesn’t have to mean formal networking events and awkward small talk. But I tell you what, if you can brave that particular gauntlet from time to time, you are bound to meet someone new that can bring you an opportunity you never considered.

Your community might be a group of fellow freelancers you meet for coffee, an online forum where you swap advice, or even a few business buddies you check in with regularly. The key is finding people who lift you up, challenge you to grow, and genuinely want to see you succeed.

There are memberships and meet-ups galore out there, online, in-person and destination based, literally something for everyone. And, it may take you a little trial and error to find the ones that fit for you. But when you do find ‘your people’ you’ll be so glad you did!

Just remember, working for yourself doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Surround yourself with the knowledge-sharers, the cheerleaders, the motivators, the connectors, and the sanity-savers. Because with the right people in your corner, your business, and your soul, will be all the better for it.

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