Building Your Business Support Network

Whether you are just opening your business or gearing up for your twentieth year, it is important to have a supportive network of individuals around you. Owning a business can be stressful. Not every family member or friend will understand your entrepreneurial journey. This is why it is important to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can offer advice, share opportunities, and listen to your ideas. Go beyond your inner circle and increase your network of support.

Consider the following groups to connect with and strengthen the support around you, as well as to look for new business opportunities.

1. Alumni: Reconnect with college and/or high school staff and classmates by letting them what you are doing now and what you have accomplished or plan to accomplish in your business. There might be opportunities to collaborate with university or community college by speaking at the school or hiring new employees. If you have children or are engaged in your local community, this strategy applies to reaching out to the parents and teachers association (PTA) or a similar group within the school.

2. Chamber of Commerce: Join a local or state chapter and meet and support business leaders. Becoming an active member can expose you to other industries, opportunities and like-minded contacts.

3. Faith-based community: Your spiritual relationship with the members at your place of worship can have a positive effect on your personal life and business goals. Lean on faith-based organizations and activities that promote a healthy, productive lifestyle.

4. Extracurricular groups: Don’t forget about the relationships you build with people you meet through leisure activities like sports leagues, volunteer and travel groups.

5. Former co-workers: If you’ve shared ideas or worked well with previous coworkers and staff, re-engage them to share your current business venture. Their skillset might be useful in your next idea or they can provide insight or contacts that you may have not considered.

6. Professional organizations or conferences: Conferences and professional groups are support systems because they bring together small and large crowds of people who are similar. You can get a lot of inspiration and information by not only attending events but potentially sponsoring or speaking at one.

7. Online groups: Thanks to the internet and social networking, interacting with other business owners across the world is easy. Building connections that go beyond day-to-day business matters, and can provide new ideas and a different perspective.

Having a strong support system for your business is crucial to its success. Strengthening your connections to increase your network will ensure a healthy and strong business.

Stay Focused. Grow Confidently.