Being a small business owner is one tough job and you really don’t know that until you are in the thick of it. As always it is nothing like what you see in the movies or on tv. Heck, it doesn’t even look like what people stage on social media. Yes, there are amazing days that make you jump for joy especially when your business is flourishing, but then there are days you want to stay in bed and crawl into a deep hole and never come out of.
Building a tribe of small business owners to be in your corner is super important, especially on those days you need a cheerleader, a coffee date, or someone who gets what you are going through.
Get Involved
If your friends and family members are not business owners then you will have to source your tribe another way. Joining local women organizations and attending meetups is a great way. Think of SCORE, Junior League, Urban League, CRAVE and others. These organizations are built on supporting and giving back. Furthermore, attending networking events can create long-lasting relationships. At a tech event I met Lauren of Stretch Recipes. She is an amazing women that I enjoy supporting and I love being in her corner.
Foster Relationships Online
A majority of my tribe was built off of online friendships. Tiffany of T+J Designs, Katrice of My Vicarious Life, Jessica of DSR Apparel, Amy of CJW Design Company, and Kristen were all relationships that started on Twitter, Blogging, and Instagram. Now I talk to these ladies constantly. They are a great source of communication. Social media is a tool to connect not just promote. I have met amazing people because of it. I have also landed new clients and made more connections because of the people in my tribe.
Give Back
Don’t be the vampire sucker in your tribe of small business owners. Make sure you give back to the people who support you in tough times. Sending thank you cards, flowers, and gift cards are great ways to say thank you. Do it because you appreciate them not just when someone does something for you. This will help build a stronger bond between you and them.
Communicate
This is the most important aspect of building a tribe of small business owners. Most people do not know what is going on in your life. You have to communicate with them. If you are having trouble finding a website designer talk to your tribe. Maybe someone in the group can help you. Express what is going on in your life, be it personal or business.
Do you have a tribe of women that supports you and your dreams? How can you tell them thanks this holiday season?
