You’ve heard the saying … It takes a village to raise a child… right?
I swear it’s more than that for a business though.
Sure, you can try and do it all alone.
But it’s stressful, overwhelming, exhausting, and I swear you’ll spend most of your time feeling like you are making it all up as you go along.
Which is why, it takes a town to raise a business. (Can we make this a thing?!)
Support is vital to growing a healthy, sustainable business.
Healthy = your health and the financial health of your business
Sustainable = being able to continue the way things are (not burning out)
If you’re in this for the long haul (and I hope that you are) then you’ll want to build a business that is profitable, but without burning the candle at both ends. Sure, there will be times when you push a little harder than normal (and times which are quieter than normal)… but there shouldn’t be times which push you to the brink of exhaustion, to burn out, or to being hospitalised (and yes, I’ve seen people do all of those things).
Which is why, you don’t need to do this alone.
I’m not talking about outsourcing here (although that’s another great way to get support and to lighten the load), but I realise that’s not always possible at every stage of your business.
So let’s look at some of the other ways you can find support.
Where can you find support?
Friends and family
If you’re lucky, then you’ve got a group of friends and family who understand what you do and who support you in building your business.
Even if they don’t completely “understand” what it is that they do, hopefully they still support your business, celebrate your wins and give you a shoulder to cry on when needed.
This isn’t always the case though. Sometimes some of our biggest naysayers are the ones closest to us, so it’s important to make sure that you are getting the support you need from elsewhere as well.
Mentors and coaches
There are some blurry lines between the roles of mentor and coach sometimes (when I googled it just now, even the internet wasn’t really sure of the clear cut difference) so I’ve bundled the two together for now.
Ultimately, they are a professional who supports you in achieving the results you want to achieve.
Usually, they will have already achieved the success you want, in the field you want, and they will guide you along your journey.
This may be a paid relationship, or possibly a free one. Regardless, it will have a structure, and often a contract of some sort.
If you decide to go with a coach or mentor, take the time to find one that suits you.
Look for results they have achieved for themselves, but also for other clients.
Get testimonials and referrals from sources you trust.
And make sure you are investing your time and money wisely.
Free support groups
There are some amazing free support groups on Facebook (and on Linkedin) where you can get your questions answered and connect with other business owners trying to do the same thing.
These groups can be a source of inspiration and a great place to make connections and possible JV partners.
But… be careful.
You never quite know who is in the group, or if the advice you are receiving on your post is accurate. Take everything you see there with a grain of salt, and do your due diligance before implementing (especially when it comes to financial advice, tax, or HR)
Government funded programs and events
There are a wealth of Government funded program and events available to support you along your business building journey.
Start with your local council. They will often have a website and Facebook page with the information on it, but you can always call or email your local representative to ask as well.
You can then check for programs and events available from the state government and the federal level too.
A Support Program or mastermind group
Like the Support Crew 😉 I created the Support Crew, because I know sometimes it is hard to find the support that you really need.
Look for a support program or mastermind group that has businesses in a similar position to you. They might be geographically close, in a similar industry, or at a similar level of revenue.
But most importantly, try and find a group that understands your situation.
If you’re not a morning person, then a group that pushes 5am starts might not be for you.
Or, if you have your hands full of kids, then a group full of single ladies who have a little more flexibility over their life might not be your cup of tea.
There are lots of different places you can find support, but it’s important that you find something that suits you and your needs.
Don’t feel that you have to find a coach, just because everyone says you do.
Or that you have to join a heap of different Facebook groups.
Pick a method, take some time to see if it works for you, and change plans if it doesn’t.
After all, it’s you and your business… do it your way.
Sam