How to build an engaging network

It's been a crazy week with the Women's Inspire Network, a really positive one, with members joining from all over. We even had to close the membership to make sure we could cope and add value to the paying members. This shows that there are a hell of a lot of us out there who really do need help and support. The Government says it's helping small business owners, but it seems, they are not helping a lot of them.

Some say that business is easy, it's us humans that make it complicated. I include myself in that! I've a mad head that can conjure up all kinds of scenarios that might never happen!

People have said to me, 'How have you built up such a huge network?' Well it's back to basics really. I talk to people. I engage with them. I genuinely 'get' the challenges that are out there. I've been there.

Do the Government actually know who small business owners are? Do they understand their fears? Do they understand their challenges? I do. I do because I am a small business owner. I have been that start up with no money. I have struggled.

Do they understand that even though they might be sitting in an audience hearing about all the funding that you have on offer that they might be thinking 'Er....how come I can't get any?' And they leave feeling they must be doing something wrong or maybe they aren't meant to be in Business. A lot of us don't like that whole 'fake it till you make it' thing. I know I don't. I say it like it is.

Is there an entrepreneur actually working and advising the government on what small business owners need? Is there someone they can contact and ask for advice? Who answers the phone? Are they an entrepreneur? Have they run a small business? Have they compassion and empathy or are they just 'clocking in'.

Small business owners need support. They need people to bounce ideas off. They need a listening ear. Most small business owners started a business because their passion for something took over. They didn't want to be bossed around, they had lots of ideas that they could see weren't being implemented so decided to do it for themselves. They usually have suffered in some way with some sort of life changing event. They have courage (It takes courage to start a business) They have determination. They have drive. They aren't afraid of hard work. There are no short cuts I'm sorry to say. Every single successful person I know worked for years to get to where they are now. What is the secret?

Be real

Be kind

Share your knowledge. (Whether its taking a call for 10 mins or writing an article or blog post, share some tips that could help others). Show YOU are the expert in your space.

Assist others. It's not all about me. I help others. Whether it's by sharing some tips or introducing someone to someone who could change things for them.

Go above and beyond what is expected of you. Go that extra mile.

Don't bitch about others. It really is a small world and be careful....you don't know who is watching.

Give value - Do what you say you will do. It's all about how you make people feel. If they feel they are learning or thriving as a result of value given to them they will stay with you.

When you do all of these things, you will attract like minded people who will 'get you' and what you do. Also you will 'get them' and what they do. This is how to build a network. Whatever type of network you want to build, the key is to find like minded people (Your tribe) When you build a community of like minded people you will have a cushion of support and a whole army of marketeers who will tell others about it especially if they are getting value.

We are humans. It's tough going it alone. It can be very lonely especially when you are starting out. So reach out, help someone even if it's just once a week. Do a Re tweet or share of a blog post from someone you see might be struggling or starting out. Also remember the small business owner who has been around a long time. They also need your support. Think about your local shop owners. Drop in, buy a few things. Do the right things. Trust me they will remember it. Expand your network.