How can you build a support system to stay motivated and resilient as an entrepreneur?

We often hear people say "It's lonely at the top" and that is so true for entrepreneurs....in sharing business stories I often hear from business owners who seek an accountability partner or mentor to help with motivation, brainstorming and testing new ideas. "Throwing spagetti on the wall" is no longer a viable marketing strategy - we need to ensure we connect with our target market through a consistent brand message. Connecting with like minded- individuals helps when creating a compelling brand message.

Make sure you seek support from people who have the capacity to provide it. Sometimes, your partner is meant to be your partner. Your parents are meant to be your parents. Your kids are meant to be your kids. Do not complicate those relationships by expecting automatic or default support from them. They already provide you with so much support in their current "roles". Unless they can provide that, by choice, rather find mentors, coaches or other entrepreneurs who are always up for a business chat.

Entrepreneurship is a thrilling journey, but it's not without its hurdles. It can feel like a rollercoaster of highs and lows. The truth is, you're not alone, and building a support system is like strapping in for the ride with fellow thrill-seekers. Think of it as having a team of personal cheerleaders, advisors, and friends all rolled into one. They're there to share your joy in the highs and offer a hand to pull you up during the lows. It's a network that can understand your struggles, provide valuable advice, and even connect you with opportunities you might have missed. So, as an entrepreneur, remember that while the journey might be yours to navigate, you don't have to do it alone.

Most people start on their own through either a passion for something or out of desparation Working for yourself can be a lonely road to success, whatever success looks like to you There will be highs and lows along the way where people will let you down, and some people will want to work with you out of the blue It can be done on your own however, it is so much easier when you have 'a team' of supportive people around you Getting a quality coach can be a great way as they have often expereinced the ups and downs before yourself so can give you the tools to often avoid mistakes along the way, condensing learning from decades into days Coaches keep your mindset right (most important) and save you time and expense in making the right calls

Being an Entrepreneur is like being on a roller coaster. The highs, the lows and the anticipation are all terrifying and thrilling at the same time. It can also be a lonely journey, especially if you are doing it on your own. But the good news is you don;t have to do it all on your own. It is so important to get support around you and this can be from joining your local chamber of commerce, networking groups or even just having a VA to help you with your admin stuff. The power of having like minded individuals around you on your entrepreneur journey is vital to your success. This is where you get the opportunity to bounce your ideas, seek help and get advice from peers who have experienced or are experiencing similar problems to you

Yeah yeah...supportive people. Plenty of those around. What you really need is people calling you out on your bs to your face. Far fewer of those around, cos it takes much more work and emotion and people hate having tough conversations and do anything to avoid them. One of your jobs as an entrepreneur is to relish having tough conversations...surround yourself with people willing to have them. Not just cheerleaders...

Similar to Derek Handley's view - though with a different wording - our classification a person as "supportive" should be grounded on the person's contribution to your development as an entreprenuer (both for your business and your personal life). Here are 3 questions you could ask yourself to guide your search for supportive people: 1. Do I genuinely believe that this person has my best interests at heart? i.e., could I trust them to make decisions on my behalf 2. Can I create a space where this person can be honest with me, especially with topics which are challenging to bring up e.g., criticism? 3. Am I willing to be upfront and open with this person about my aspirations and failures?

Business is all about people - which is what so many organisations seem to forget as they turn it all about them and not their customers Wrong! It is all about relationships and some will be built very quickly and some will be a slow burn Most people are craving to be engaged with, the right way, and not be forgotten and keeping in touch with them will provide a two way connection. Firstly, most will be grateful to have had connection from someone who is not just selling to them so personalise your messages Secondly, it will keep you at the top of their thoughts when they want the service you offer even if it is not right now One thing to remember is that their priorities are not necessary the same as yours and things may well take time

Being an entrepreneur can sometimes be a pretty lonely journey. Foster great relationships be it within or outside your organisation. Listen to people who care and drive you to achieve success. Respond to them and most importantly don’t forget them and their contributions when they are not around.

Don’t be afraid to ask for support ! Being a business owner is a thrilling and scary journey but you don’t have to know how to do it all. Learn to recognise your strengths, develop those areas you enjoy but are perhaps weaker at and be open to reach out to others who are more skilled or experienced than you. It is not a weakness to ask for help, it demonstrates strength of character and a willingness to learn.

find at least one entrepreneur who has been in really dark places, where they lost it all, or almost lost it all and crawled, fought and bled their way out. this person should have zero to do with your current venture or even industry. ideally they don't care if you win/lose. they just provide hard, cold, clarity when things seem their most darkest. ideally, they have gone through the ego dissolution, which we all eventually go through when we realise we are NOT our company. this person should be one call away, well before you need them. ie, when things are going great. because when you do need them, you will always realise this too late, and will feel too ashamed to seek them out...