Lonely at the top

I always wanted to be in business. As a child, I would play "Restaurant" and "Supermarket" with my cousin - down to making checks and menus. When my parents added a dog to our household, I became fascinated with the vet, so I played "Little Red Doghouse" with all my stuffed animals - signing them up for medical care or boarding services, complete with invoices and prescriptions.

(Note to my readers: I do have another blog "A Vivid Imagination"... You can probably guess how that goes by seeing a bit of what I write here.)

Getting back to business...

I always wanted to have my own business but I never expected to be by myself. To be honest, I'm not REALLY "by myself" - even in a global pandemic, Zoom and the telephone allow me to reach the people I need to and the stress of not having to commute everywhere really alleviates a lot. But in reality, when all the video conferences are done, and the phone calls are complete, many entrepreneurs are left to their own devices - "solopreneurs", if you will. And it can be lonely at the top.

In my brick and mortar life, my partner and I decided almost every single thing together. Plenty of discussions that didn't always have the benefit of time but we at least ran ideas or decisions past each other. Did we always agree? Absolutely not. But at least we knew where the other stood on whatever the issue. But we planned to discuss whatever further at a later time and often agreed to disagree. We had a sounding board in each other - no idea too crazy, no strategy impossible, every opportunity to increase our business, a point in a conversation.

Solopreneurs don't necessarily have that luxury. Sure, you can talk to your spouse, but they have their own job-related things. Friends and family may not even understand what it is you do, so they wouldn't be able to give you feedback or input.

Support in the form of a community, a network of like-minded, seasoned professionals with a smattering of people who are trying new things out and are willing to guide, assist, advise, as well as receive feedback - joining one can prove to be one of the best strategies you could add to your business toolbox in 2021. Look for a community that you can be comfortable in; one that represents a focus you have or reflect issues you consider important. There are many different types of communities that cater to specific industries, some that are geared just for women, some for million-dollar business owners, some that are established for LGBTQ entrepreneurs or Minority-Business owners.

Sign-up for roundtable discussions - join a MasterMind group - get an accountability partner - hire a coach. Do one, do all! When you can get support from others who know where you've been, know where they have been and can synthesize a bit of advice for you, well, that is worth its weight in gold.

Jane Parmel, the creator of "The Profit Project", helps women to powerfully transform their businesses by up-leveling their money mindset, signature system and pricing to recognize their value and create a more profitable business through authentic marketing and efficient operations. She makes your bottom line the high point of your business! Jane is also the NY Global Business Connector for the Women Speakers Association, hosting events connecting women with resources to amplify their role as a “Phenomenal Message Maker” – clarifying their message, increasing their visibility, and growing their audience. Jane's articles have appeared in BrainzMagazine.com; her upcoming collaborative book, Voices of the 21st Century: Resilient Women Who Rise (release date Feb. 23, 2021), and at janeparmel.com.