The importance of a business community
Running a business can be extremely rewarding. It can also be extremely challenging. When no one around you has faced the challenge of business ownership, it’s easy to feel like you lack the support you need to make your business thrive. This is where your business community comes in. Creating a professional network of like-minded business owners can give you the confidence to step up and face any business challenges thrown your way.
A supportive business community can provide emotional and professional guidance during tough times. Having a network of peers who understand what you are going through is vital to sustaining a long-term business. No one has gotten as far as they have completely on their own. Having a community who understands the struggle of being a solopreneur will make a world of difference.
A community also provides you an opportunity to gain more knowledge. It’s important to remember that you don’t know everything, and having a fresh set of eyes look over something you’ve been working on may just be what you need to elevate the whole project. Sometimes we get too close to what we are working on and it can be hard to take a step back and see it from another perspective. This is one way having a business community can be greatly beneficial, as collaboration can often bring out the best work. You can vent to friends and family about a project you’ve been working on, but collaborating with someone you trustto offer professional business advice can be invaluable.
Another advantage to being involved in a business community is the networking opportunities. Meeting like-minded professionals, mentors and potential partners can open doors to new business ventures and growth opportunities (just look at Emily and Christine!). Networking is about more than exchanging business cards, it is about creating meaningful connections that can lead to valuable support systems.
The first step to finding your community is showing up. A good place to start is LinkedIn or Facebook groups. Unfortunately, if you are working from home, you are not going to meet anyone from your living room. Try renting a desk at a coworking space or head to your favourite coffee shop and don’t be afraid to start up a conversation. This will give you the chance to make connections in a more relaxed environment if you are not comfortable at a networking event.
Starting and running a business is hard enough as it is, why do it alone? Build a community that will support you and push you to excel in your business goals. Not only will you enhance your own business prospects, but you will be contributing to a thriving and supportive professional network. The value of a business community is priceless.
Juniper Road’s recommended communities
Women with Altitude - https://www.womenwithaltitude.com.au/
Virtually Yours - https://www.virtuallyyours.com.au/
Newcastle VA - https://www.newcastlevirtualassistants.com/
The Juniper Road Team & Community