Starting and running a business is no easy feat, and as women entrepreneurs, we often face even more challenges and hurdles than our male counterparts – such as pay disparities and unconscious bias. BUT we don’t have to face these challenges alone, that is why it’s so important for women in business to have a supportive community to fall back on. We can stand strong together against any obstacles that get thrown our way.
Here’s why a supportive community is essential for female entrepreneurs:
Access to Advice and Guidance
It is possible to unlock a world of knowledge by tapping into the valuable experiences and wise words from mentors, professionals, and industry leaders. As much as we’d like to be able to be experts in just about everything that relates to our businesses, the reality is that there are only so many hours in the day. Being a part of a community that provides access to experts in different areas frees you up to focus on your main goals AND succeed faster.
I can tell you for a fact that I would not be where I am today with my businesses, if it wasn’t for the incredible women in my community. From tech knowledge to pep talks, and anything and everything in between the incredible women I call a part of my community are a big part of my success!
Gain Unique Opportunities
You never know what opportunities and collaborations are waiting for you on the other side of a new connection or introduction! Some of the coolest things that have happened to me and/or my business have come from introductions, referrals, conversations and networking. Having open conversations with your peers can lead creating innovative ways of working together that are mutually beneficial.
These opportunities can also help you unlock areas of growth and development that you might not have otherwise discovered. It’s amazing the new ideas and strategies that you can “stumble on” that can take your business even further, when you make an aligned connection for your community.
Create Meaningful Connections
It is possible to not only create an amazing community for yourself around your business and goals, but to also make lifelong friendships. The friends I’ve made in my 14+ years in business have been some of the best!
These are the friends that helped me through my divorce, kept me sane during lockdowns, cheered me on through every challenge and celebrated my wins with me. These are the “through thick and friends” kind of friends that I can’t imagine not having in my life.
Find Moral Support
We all have moments when we need a little moral support. And this might be one of the biggest reasons community is essential, especially for women in business! And while this point directly relates to building meaningful connections, you don’t necessarily have to have a deep friendship to get encouragement when you need it.
There’s been more than a few occasions where I’ve made a general request for support in a Facebook group and gotten a resounding response and the much needed boost I was looking for. Even new acquaintances have stepped up and offered a listening ear and advice!
Increase Visibility
One of the most beneficial parts of being a part of a thriving community of women business owners is the ability to get visible! The opportunities are endless – collaboration, cross promotion, referrals, and even getting featured in an article or podcast. The more people who know about your business, the more potential for customers and clients!
Develop New Perspectives
Learn different approaches to problem-solving or business practices by opening dialogues with those who have a different perspective than your own. If we only ever look at our businesses from our own perspectives, chances are we’re missing huge opportunities for growth and improvement.
Having conversations with other entrepreneurs and gaining a better understanding of their processes can help us to see our own businesses in a different light and make us more open-minded to new ideas.
Tap Into Industry Insights
It’s practically impossible to know every update, algorithm change or tweak the “big guys” make in your industry. Building relationships with others in adjacent businesses, can help you access to up-to-date information on trends, news, and developments in the industry. This information is a piece of the puzzle that could help you stay competitive in the market.
Accountability
Having a team of people you can rely on to provide real-time feedback and input can help keep you organized and motivated. When starting out or going through tough times, having someone to turn to is essential for your success. Whether it’s having someone who understands what it’s like to be in your shoes or just being held accountable for your goals, having a accountability system can make all the difference when it comes to reaching your goals!
Building a supportive community around you, as a women in business, can open up so many doors, create meaningful relationships and keep you motivated on your journey. So don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make connections with like-minded individuals! You never know what opportunities might arise from it!
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