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What does it mean to you to find a support network, and how do you know if you’ve truly found one? I’ve been one of those people who use the term “finding a support network” to describe the process of connecting with a community of like-minded individuals and entrepreneurs who share your values, interests, and goals.
I wanted a sense of belonging and felt strongly that having those connections was essential to my personal and business growth and success. At the time, I didn’t realize that I had raised children who were part of my support network. When I wanted input from people I trusted, I would reach out to them in our family group chat. Sometimes I did it not because I wanted their input, but because I wanted them to be part of my journey. Recently, I connected with a few cousins that I didn’t grow up with, but who are now part of my support network.
Related: 5 Reasons Why You Need a Support Network
My Support Network
One of them always checks in with me to make sure I’m taking regular breaks and maintaining self-care. The other calls me and brainstorms with me about my various business ventures. They’re all very opinionated and insightful. I also have friends who have offered to invest in my business if I ever decide to pursue that path. I also have former colleagues who have tipped me off to opportunities where I could earn the money I needed for my marketing campaigns. My support network has always been there. Not in the way I imagined it would be, but it’s the best.
My support network wasn’t large, but it was solid and reliable, and that’s what matters most to me.
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the kind actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King
At the beginning of my journey, I had trust issues due to past negative experiences, but as I began to become more open while setting boundaries, my support network began to grow.
Since then, I have had some great collaborations with some of them and have also started connecting some of them with other brands, which I feel is beneficial for both parties.
Finding a support network as an entrepreneur can provide you with a helpful, knowledgeable and inspiring community that can contribute greatly to your success and happiness as an entrepreneur.
Related: The numbers we need to know about the entrepreneurial support system
How to know if you’ve found your support network
Here are some ways entrepreneurs know if they’ve found their support network:
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Trust and loyalty: Trust is a key element in any business, but who can you trust more than family? Family loyalty is invaluable, especially in the early stages of a business when it’s hard to find trustworthy team members.
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Shared Values: Entrepreneurs typically connect with their support networks when they share similar values and beliefs — this could include a commitment to innovation, a passion for a particular industry or cause, a dedication to ethical business practices, etc. When you find people who resonate with your core values, it’s a sign that you’ve found your support network.
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Common interests: Your support network may consist of people who have a strong interest in the same industry, niche, or specialty as you. Whether it’s tech startups, green businesses, or social entrepreneurship, shared interests can create strong bonds.
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Networking and Events: Entrepreneurs often attend networking events, conferences, and industry-specific meetups to meet others with the same entrepreneurial mindset, and when you run into familiar faces at these events and make meaningful connections, you’re likely building a support network.
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Supported environments: The network should provide a supportive and nurturing environment where people feel comfortable sharing their ideas, challenges and aspirations. Mutual encouragement, advice and mentorship are common indicators of a supportive entrepreneurial network.
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Collaboration opportunities: Entrepreneurs often collaborate with members of their support networks on projects, partnerships, and ventures, so if you find people who are enthusiastic about working together and leveraging each other’s strengths, that’s a good sign.
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Sense of Belonging: Feeling that you belong and are understood by others in your support network is a powerful indicator: when you can empathize with their experiences, challenges and aspirations, and they can empathize with yours, you’ve likely found your people.
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Personal Growth: Being part of a support network also contributes to your personal and professional growth. If you feel like your network inspires you, challenges you, and helps you grow as an entrepreneur, it’s a good sign that you’re in the right group.
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Long-term Relationship: Building lasting relationships with fellow entrepreneurs is a hallmark of finding a support network. These relationships extend beyond business and become valuable connections in your personal life, too.
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Online Community: In today’s digital age, many entrepreneurs find their support networks through online communities, forums, social media groups, and professional platforms. Engaging in discussions and making connections in these virtual spaces can be just as meaningful as face-to-face interactions.
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Intuition: Ultimately, finding a support network often comes down to intuition, and when you find the right group, you can feel a genuine connection, common purpose, and sense of belonging.
Related: Why Entrepreneurs Need Other Passionate Entrepreneurs in Their Ecosystem
Keep in mind that your support network may evolve and you may find yourself participating in multiple networks based on different aspects of your life and interests. Be open-minded, actively seek out connections, and embrace new opportunities to find and nurture your support network.
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