Going through the entrepreneurial journey alone is no easy task. Chasing your passions and running your own business while fulfilling comes with his own set of challenges. Women entrepreneurs have to overcome many social, cultural, financial barriers and find that ‘lonely at the top’ syndrome is real. One way to overcome this is to find a network of peers that understand the difficulties of starting one’s own business and can support you with ongoing growth.
Entrepreneur support groups attract like-minded people and give you great opportunities to pitch your business to a diverse group of people. Having the support of the network increases trust and you can be referred by people you meet during the meetings to the right set of clients. This is especially beneficial to businesses in the B2B sector and can be the right place to find new customers.
Today’s consumers trust recommendations from their network rather than paid advertising. These organizations help you develop your network and build relationships with potential customers. It also helps you make new connections with potential vendors who can be verified as genuine before entering any business contract with. The network can help you find the right type of suppliers and at the same time provide an audience for your product.
As an entrepreneur, one knows that learning new skills is a lifelong journey. These groups can help you develop your core skills required in business, like public speaking, sales, and other professional skills. This can be an opportunity to gather resources to build your business and networking skills. Also, certain organizations host panels and conferences where you can hear industry greats discuss their journey and learn many business lessons from them. You may also find industry mentors who can guide and support you in your entrepreneurial journey.
These support groups can not only help with your professional life but also your personal life. Managing a business can sometimes put a strain on your relationships, health, and cause personal issues. They offer a format where the complex intersections between your business, personal life and community engagement can all be addressed head-on so that you can achieve fulfilment in all of your endeavours.
As a member, you’re invited to attend one-of-a-kind chapter events built around learning and engagement held in your city on a regular basis. You are also invited to regional and global events that provide unique resources, learning opportunities, and a chance to socialize with a broader business community. This helps you manage your mental health and ask for support from people who have been through the journey before you.