Starting a business can be an isolating experience. If you’re new to being an entrepreneur, there’s a lot to take in. During the first year of running a business, there are many lessons to learn and experiences to overcome. Having a strong support network early on can help you better understand how to tackle the complexities of running a small business.
People who have a good support system enjoy many mental and physical health benefits. For example, they often have less trouble with anxiety and depression. This might be because the people in their support system listen and give them feedback.
Here are some of the best ways to build a strong support system for business owners:
- Attend networking events
Business networking events and conferences can be a great way of forming business relationships. You can look out for community events where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas. You can also participate in an industry-relevant conference or take part in a meetup. The more you get out and interact with people who can support you, the less isolated you will feel.
- Take part in a Meetup
Be bold about reaching out. There are a variety of social gathering events to take part in. You can attend a group of events ranging from business-related, technology, entertainment or sporting events. Attending a meetup group can open the door for social interactions. At the same time, it can promote a healthier work-life balance.
- LinkedIn connections
In a tech-driven society, social media has become a powerful tool in bringing people together. With the recent rise of LinkedIn, professionals are forming strong social connections. These connections can be extremely valuable. LinkedIn widens your support system so that if you ever need help with your business, you have a large system by your side. It also connects you with professionals who can add value to your life. All it takes is one connection and remember that a connection may one day turn into a partner, customer or supplier.
- Family and Friends
Running a business is always time-consuming. Sometimes life travels at a hundred kilometers an hour. Remember to make time for friends and family as they will always help you get through it all. Friends that you have known for many years are more likely to be there for you no matter how events turn out.
In all, remember that you want to look for people who think and speak positively; you don’t need to invite negativity into your life by including negative people in your circle of support. It’s important that you protect your mental health by disallowing toxic people in your space.
